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Sustainable management of blossom end rot in tomatoes using Lapis Albus 200C and Borax 200C
*Corresponding author: Dr. M. Vidhya, Department of Homoeopathic Pharmacy, Venkateswara Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. drvidhyam15@gmail.com
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Received: ,
Accepted: ,
How to cite this article: Vidhya M, Lathifa JF, Kumaran GS. Sustainable management of blossom end rot in tomatoes using Lapis Albus 200C and Borax 200C. J Intgr Stand Homoeopathy. 2024;7:137-43. doi: 10.25259/JISH_57_2024
Abstract
Objectives:
This study explores the efficacy of homoeopathic medicines Lapis Albus 200C and Borax 200C in preventing BER in tomato plants.
Material and Methods:
Experimental groups included untreated control plants, plants treated with Lapis Albus 200 and plants treated with Borax 200. Treatments were applied bi-weekly, and plant growth, health and yield were monitored over 85 days.
Results:
Results indicated that both Lapis Albus 200 and Borax 200 significantly improved plant height, yield of healthy tomatoes and reduced flowering time compared to the control group. Group C (Borax 200) exhibited the greatest improvements, with the highest mean stem height of 11 cm (Standard deviation [SD] 0.85), the highest yield of healthy tomatoes at 50% (53 tomatoes) and the shortest flowering time at 49 days (SD 1.22). Group B (Lapis Albus 200) showed a mean stem height of 10 cm (SD 0.77), a yield of 42.45% (25 tomatoes) and a mean flowering time of 50 days (SD 1.41). The control group had a mean stem height of 8 cm (SD 0.81), a yield of 7.54% (8 tomatoes) and a mean flowering time of 55 days (SD 2.68).
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that homoeopathic treatments may enhance Ca uptake and distribution, improving overall plant health and resilience under stress conditions. The study underscores the potential of Lapis Albus 200C and Borax 200C in managing BER and promoting sustainable tomato production. Future research should focus on the mechanisms through which these remedies influence Ca dynamics and plant stress responses, aiming to integrate homoeopathic treatments into broader agricultural management strategies.
Keywords
Blossom end rot
Solanum lycopersicum
Homoeopathic remedies
Plant health
Sustainable agriculture
INTRODUCTION
Blossom end rot (BER) is a significant physiological disorder that adversely affects Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) crops, resulting in considerable economic losses globally.[1-4] BER manifests as necrotic lesions at the blossom end of the fruit, primarily due to calcium (Ca) deficiency, which is exacerbated by various environmental stressors and genetic factors.[1-5]
Calcium plays a pivotal role in maintaining cell wall structure and membrane stability in plant tissues. Its deficiency disrupts these structures, leading to cell death and the characteristic symptoms of BER.[6] However, the availability and mobility of Ca within the plant are heavily influenced by environmental conditions such as water availability, temperature and salinity. These factors can impair Ca uptake and distribution, particularly to the distal parts of the fruit where BER symptoms typically appear.[7-9]
In addition to environmental stresses, genetic factors also contribute significantly to BER susceptibility.[3-4,10] Certain tomato cultivars exhibit higher resistance to BER due to more efficient Ca uptake and partitioning mechanisms, as well as enhanced antioxidant capacities that mitigate the effects of reactive oxygen species generated under stress conditions.[4,5,11,12] Recent studies have identified specific quantitative trait loci associated with BER resistance, which could be leveraged in breeding programs to develop more resilient tomato varieties.[3,4]
Lapis Albus was selected due to its high calcium content and its historical use in treating conditions related to calcium deficiency. It is a silico-fluoride of calcium (Calcarea silicofluorica), which is derived from a type of gneiss discovered by Grauvogl in the mineral springs of Gastein.[13,14] He named it ‘White Stone’ due to its appearance. The waters from these springs, which flow over gneiss formations into the Achen Valley-an area where goitre and cretinism are prevalent-contain this mineral. As a remedy, Lapis Albus is rich in calcium, helping to prevent calcium deficiency. It primarily affects connective tissue, with characteristic swelling that is elastic and pliable, rather than hard and stony (as described by Boericke W).[15] This remedy is particularly noted for its efficacy in treating new growths and glandular affections.[16]
Borax, or sodium borate, is widely recognised for its powerful antiseptic and disinfectant properties.[13,15,17] It has been traditionally used as a home remedy for various skin conditions, particularly those involving unhealthy, difficult-to-heal skin.[18] Borax is beneficial for skin that is shriveled, dry and prone to festering.[14,15,19] It is also known to be effective in treating wilted, wrinkled skin that does not heal easily.[16,19] In addition, Borax is used to alleviate symptoms that worsen with damp and unsettled weather, making it a valuable remedy for maintaining skin health under adverse environmental conditions proves to be a reliable remedy for maintaining skin health.[13] Due to its antiseptic properties and its effectiveness in treating conditions that worsen under adverse environmental conditions, such as fluctuating humidity and temperature—factors that exacerbate BER— Borax proves to be a reliable remedy for maintaining skin health.
The interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental stress factors underscores the complexity of BER aetiology.[3,12] This complexity necessitates a multi-faceted approach to prevention and management, integrating agronomic practices, genetic improvements and possibly alternative treatments such as homoeopathic remedies.[1,4,20] This study aims to comparatively analyse the efficacy of homoeopathic medicines Lapis Albus 200C and Borax 200C in preventing BER in tomatoes, considering the underlying Ca dynamics, environmental stress responses and genetic predispositions.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Study site
The study was conducted in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, during the rainy season from October 2020 to December 2020.
Selection of plant
Tomato plants were selected based on their demonstrated variability in yield and growth during previous rainy seasons. The selected plants were at a similar developmental stage, specifically at the onset of flowering, as the study aimed to assess the effects of treatments on yield, flowering time and overall plant growth.
Drug administration
The treatment involved administering 5 drops of medicine diluted in 200 mL of water. This solution was applied externally to the samples twice a week.
Experimental groups
The study comprised three groups of tomato plant samples, each group containing five samples:
Group A (control): No treatment was applied
Group B (Lapis Albus 200): Treated with 5 drops of Lapis Albus 200 diluted in 200 mL of water
Group C (Borax 200): Treated with 5 drops of Borax 200 diluted in 200 mL of water.
Each group was monitored under the same environmental conditions to evaluate the effects of the treatments on the tomato plants.
Procedure
Sample preparation: Tomato plants were selected and divided into three groups, with each group consisting of five plants.
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Treatment application:
Group A received no treatment and served as the control
Group B received 5 drops of Lapis Albus 200 diluted in 200 mL of water, administered externally twice a week
Group C received 5 drops of Borax 200 diluted in 200 mL of water, administered externally twice a week.
Observation and data collection: The plants were observed regularly for changes in growth, health and any other notable parameters. Data were collected weekly to assess the impact of the treatments.
Outcome
This study primarily focuses on yield, flowering time and overall plant growth across the three groups. Due to the prevalence of BER disease, which manifests as dark, sunken spots at the bottom (blossom end) of the tomato fruit, the analysis of pre-test and post-test parameters is challenging. These spots typically begin small and watery but become larger and more pronounced as the fruit matures. Since no records were maintained during the previous rainy season, the yield comparison between the three groups was conducted in this study.
Data analysis
The collected data were analysed to determine the effectiveness of Lapis Albus 200 and Borax 200 in promoting plant health and growth compared to the control group. Statistical methods were employed to evaluate the significance of the observed effects.
This methodology ensured a controlled comparison between the treated and untreated samples, providing insights into the efficacy of the treatments on tomato plant health.
Limitations
The study has limitations, particularly in its design, as disease conditions were observed at the mature fruit stage, leading to reduced yield. Once the disease affected the mature fruit, it was impossible to recover the lost yield, making pre-test and post-test analysis unfeasible. The only viable approach was to assess overall plant growth, flowering time and tomato yield through statistical analysis, specifically by calculating the mean with standard deviation (SD).
RESULTS
Plant growth analysis
The growth and health of the plants were observed over a period of 85 days. Three groups were compared: Group A (Control), Group B (treated with Lapis Albus 200) and Group C (treated with Borax 200).
Height of the stem
The mean height of the stem for each group was measured at the end of the observation period:
Group A (control): The mean height of the stem was 8 cm with an SD of 0.81 cm
Group B (Lapis Albus 200): The mean height of the stem was 10 cm with an SD of 0.77 cm
Group C (borax 200): The mean height of the stem was 11 cm with an SD of 0.85 cm [Table 1 and Figures 1 and 2].
| Group | Mean height of stem (cm) | Standard deviation height of stem | Mean flowering time (days) | Standard deviation flowering time | Healthy tomatoes | Percentage yield of tomatoes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Control (A) | 8 | 0.81 | 55 | 2.68 | 8 | 7.54 |
| Lapis Albus (B) | 10 | 0.77 | 50 | 1.41 | 25 | 42.45 |
| Borax (C) | 11 | 0.85 | 49 | 1.22 | 53 | 50 |
- Mean height of stem with standard deviation.
- Mean height of stem with standard deviation.
Yield of healthy tomatoes
The number of healthy tomatoes produced by each group was counted, and the percentage yield was calculated:
Group A (control): Produced 8 healthy tomatoes, resulting in a yield percentage of 7.54%
Group B (Lapis Albus 200): Produced 25 healthy tomatoes, resulting in a yield percentage of 42.45%
Group C (Borax 200): Produced 53 healthy tomatoes, resulting in a yield percentage of 50% [Table 1 and Figures 3-6].
- Yield percentage of healthy tomatoes by group.
- Tomato fruit development across different treatment groups: (a) Shows symptoms of Blossom end rot (BER) with dark, sunken spots on the fruit, (b) shows early-stage fruit development with no visible symptoms and (c) demonstrates healthy, mature fruits, suggesting successful management of BER with Lapis Albus 200C and Borax 200C.
- Mean flowering time with standard deviation.
- Comparison of tomato plants under different treatment conditions showing varying leaf health. (a) Exhibits signs of stress with yellowing leaves, (b) shows healthier foliage and (c) demonstrates optimal leaf condition, indicating potential.
Flowering time
The average time taken for the plants to start flowering was recorded:
Group A (control): The mean flowering time was 55 days with an SD of 2.68 days
Group B (Lapis Albus 200): The mean flowering time was 50 days with a SD of 1.41 days
Group C (Borax 200): The mean flowering time was 49 days with an SD of 1.22 days [Table 1 and Figures 7-9].
- Yield of healthy tomatoes and percentage yield.
- Number of healthy tomatoes by group.
- Mean flowering time with standard deviation.
Comparison
Stem height: Group C (Borax 200) had the tallest plants with a mean height of 11 cm, followed by Group B (Lapis Albus 200) with 10 cm and Group A (Control) with 8 cm
Healthy tomato yield: Group C (Borax 200) produced the highest number of healthy tomatoes (53), followed by Group B (Lapis Albus 200) with 25 tomatoes and Group A (Control) with 8 tomatoes
Flowering time: Group C (Borax 200) had the shortest flowering time (49 days), followed by Group B (Lapis Albus 200) with 50 days and Group A (Control) with 55 days.
DISCUSSION
The results of the field trial study shed light on the potential efficacy of the homoeopathic remedies Lapis Albus 200C and Borax 200C in preventing BER in tomato plants. The findings highlight the significant differences in plant health and fruit quality between the control group and the groups treated with homoeopathic remedies. The healthy growth and high yield of tomatoes in Group B, treated with Lapis Albus 200C, indicate the efficient prevention of the disease. Similarly, the healthy growth and efficient prevention of BER in Group C, treated with Borax 200C, further emphasise the potential role of these homoeopathic remedies in managing this agricultural challenge. Furthermore, the plants’ migration to nutrient-deficient soil and their subsequent observation are crucial in providing context for interpreting the results.[1,21-24] It suggests that the application of homoeopathic remedies may have contributed to mitigating the effects of nutrient deficiency, thereby promoting overall plant resilience and health.[2,11] This insight adds depth to the understanding of the potential mechanisms through which these remedies may exert their effects.
Moreover, the observed impact of the homoeopathic remedies on both the prevention of the disease and overall plant health indicates the comprehensive nature of their influence. This multifaceted effect aligns with the holistic approach emphasised throughout the document, highlighting the importance of considering broader ecological and agricultural contexts in addressing agricultural challenges.[25-28]
The results reaffirm the potential efficacy of homoeopathic remedies in promoting plant health, preventing diseases and enhancing overall resilience in tomato production systems.[1,23,25,26,28] This study sets the stage for continued research and exploration of these remedies to further advance sustainable and natural methods for addressing agricultural challenges.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study strongly indicate the potential efficacy of homoeopathic remedies, specifically Lapis Albus 200C and Borax 200C, in preventing BER in tomato plants. The comparison with the control group clearly demonstrates the positive impact of these remedies in promoting plant health and resilience. This study emphasises the superior results with Group C and the observed prevention of BER alongside healthier plant growth, underlines the potential significance of homoeopathic remedies in sustainable agriculture. It underscores the need for further research and exploration of these remedies as integral components of integrated management strategies for sustainable crop production.
Acknowledgment
We extend heartfelt thanks to our teachers, colleagues and the research department of our institute. Their guidance, support and collaborative efforts have played a crucial role in shaping our academic and research efforts.
Ethical approval
Ethical approval not required for this study as it is agrohomoeopathy study.
Declaration of patient consent
Patient’s consent was not required as there are no patients in this study.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
Use of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technology for manuscript preparation
The authors confirm that there was no use of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technology for assisting in the writing or editing of the manuscript and no images were manipulated using AI.
Financial support and sponsorship
Financial support and sponsorship for the entire study provided by Venkateswara Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
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