Leveraging Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr. response to drought and climate change in tropical country on plant productivity in backyard

Abstract

Food is a primary requirement and source of life, which is important as it nourishes the body and sustaining the very existences of humans. It is found to be increasing by number of calories from 2441 kcal in 1970 to 2,950 kcal in 2015, and projected to be 3,040 kcal per capita in 2030. The calories increment is determined from different types of food, including vegetables. This study aims to leverage Gynura procumbens response to drought and climate change in tropical country, on plant productivity in backyard. The cultivation of Gynura procumbens was carried out experimentally with 4 different treatments for 6 months. The plant showed preference for microclimate conditions, such as soil moisture that varies between 70-90%, light intensity ranging from 128, and a temperature range of 31-32 °C. However, it was found that Gynura procumbens still survive in microclimate conditions above or below its preference.