BIBLIOGRAPHY OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012. Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L)
Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different Concentrations of Vermitea. Benguet State
University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Darwin A. Basquial, MSc.
ABSTRACT
Growth and yield response to varying vermitea concentrations and farmer’s practice
(application of chicken dung and complete fertilizer) on ‘Great Lakes XL’ lettuce were
evaluated in December 2011 to February 2012 at the Horticulture Experimental area,
Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet. Economic Analysis of growing the crop
as affected by the treatments was also done.
Results of the study showed that lettuce crops applied with 100% vermitea were
significantly heavier (0.276 kg/head) and bigger in size (49.60cm in diameter) and with
more marketable yield of 7.43 kg per 5m2 plot. In terms of profitability, the highest return
on cash expenses of P1.21 was obtained from plants produced through the farmers practice
of applying 100-100-100 kg/ha N-P-K. However, for organic production of lettuce, 100%
vermitea is recommended.
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Marketable, Non-marketable, Total and Computed Yield
Table 1 shows that plants applied with 100% vermitea significantly effected the
highest marketable, non-marketable, total and computed yield per hectare at 7.43 kg/5m2
and 9.39 kg/5m2 or 14.86 t/ha, respectively. The results, however, are comparable to the
plants applied with the farmer’s practice of applying 100-100-100 kg/ha N-P-K.
Non-marketable yield was not significantly affected by the different fertilizer
treatments. These findings imply that vermitea has a contributory effect on the yield of
lettuce.
This result is attributed to the high nutrient content of vermicompost. It was cited
by Jensen (2001) that the castings contain five times the available nitrogen and seven times
the available potash of the top soil. Therefore, castings are supplied with available
nutrients. Likewise, it was stated by De La Cruz (2009) that slow release of nutrients from
organic fertilizers minimize nutrient losses resulting to efficient uptake by the crops that
leads to higher yield. Aside from its nutrient supplying capacity, vermicompost has
excellent structure, aeration and high water holding capacity. These conditions of the soil
are favorable for crop growth and development.
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
Table 1. Marketable, non-marketable, total and computed yield of lettuce as affected by
different concentrations of vermitea
CONCENTRATION
YIELD (kg.)
COMPUTED
OF VERMITEA (%) MARKETABLE NON-MARKETABLE TOTAL (t/ha)
100
7.43a
1.96a
9.39a 14.86a
75
5.60bc
2.00a
7.60bc 11.21bc
50
6.60abc 2.00a
8.60ab 13.20abc
25
5.24c
2.12a
7.35bc 10.47c
tap water only 3.74d
2.25a
5.99c 7.47d
Farmer’s Paractice 7.07ab
2.25a
8.85ab 14.13ab
(100-100-100 kg/ha
N-P-K )
Means with common letters are not significant at 5% level by DMRT
Average Head Weight and Size
The application of 100% vermitea significantly produced heavier weight of
individual heads of lettuce (0.276 kg/head) and bigger heads (49.60 cm in diameter) as
presented in Table 2. It was consistently observed that there was a corresponding decrease
in the weight and size of individual plants as the concentration of vermitea was decreased.
This could be due to the decreased amount of nitrogen as the concentration of vermitea was
decreased.
Nitrogen is critical to the growth and health of a plant. It is part of the chlorophyll,
the green pigment of the plant that is responsible for photosynthesis. Nitrogen helps plant
with rapid growth, increasing seed and fruit production and improving the quality of leafy
crops. Without it, plants are weaker and smaller than they should be (Cavender et.al,
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
Table 2. Average head weight and size of lettuce as affected by different concentrations
of vermitea at harvest
CONCENTRATION
HEAD WEIGHT
HEAD SIZE
OF VERMITEA (%)
(kg)
(cm)
100
0.276a
49.60a
75
0.224bc
42.23c
50
0.253abc
48.30ab
25
0. 216cd
43.57bc
tap water only
0. 176d
41.00c
Farmer’s Parctice
0. 264ab
45.83abc
(100-100-100 kg/ha
N-P-K)
Means with common letters are not significant at 5% level by DMRT
2001). Lagman (2003) found that organic matter of vermicompost supplies the Nitrogen
required for plant growth. It serves as an energy source for micro floral and micro faunal
organisms. The worm produces pounds of nitrogen during the decomposition process. This
nitrogen was utilized by the crop during the growing period.
Bacterial Soft Rot and Cutworm Infestation
As shown in table 3, there were slight incidence of bacterial soft rot and cutworm
infestation and there were no significant differences among the treatments.
Bacterial soft rot is a common disease caused by a soil dwelling bacteria. It does
not appear to survive in the soil but can survive on plant debris. Infected plant tissues first
develop a water-soaked lesion that enlarges rapidly in diameter and depth. The affected
area becomes soft and mushy and generally turns a dark color in advanced stages of disease
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
development. Rainfall and high temperatures enhance infection in the field. Soft rot
bacteria can grow over a temperature range of 5-37°C and with an optimum temperature
of about 22°C. Cutworms are oil-dwelling nocturnal caterpillars of several moths, which
eat plant roots. The worst damage is done to young plants with tap roots wherein lettuce
suffers especially badly. The cutworms eat the stem or just below the soil surface. The
plant eventually collapses, but by then the cutworm is attacking another plant. This can
happen suddenly, but early warning signs are wilting and stunted growth. In fact, they often
work along rows, killing one plant after another (Lettuce Pest Guide, 2011).
Vermitea helps fight plant diseases. The high concentrations of humus in vermitea
help to prevent harmful plant pathogens, fungi, nematodes and bacteria. It also suppresses
diseases such as club root and white rot. The beneficial microbes present in vermitea has
been found to bring natural fungal disease-suppressant qualities when sprayed onto the
leaves of plants (Duchock, 2011)
Economic Analysis
The different total yields and costs of farm inputs had resulted to the differences in
net income and return of expenses from the different concentrations of vermitea application
(Table 4). The farmers practice of applying 100-100-100 kg/ha N-P-K has significantly
produced higher return on cash expenses. Comparatively lower ROCE was noted with the
application of vermitea. This was mainly due to the high cost of vermicast used in the
experiment.
In contrast, the costs associated with organic production are relatively stable,
predictable and comparative to conventional agriculture, according to Stonehouse (2000).
The main areas of cost identified were inputs and labor. Most farmers reported that the cost
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
of inputs (composts, feeds, soil amendments etc.) is fairly constant. Because organic
farming excludes the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, the
total cost of inputs used is generally lower than in conventional production.
Table 3. Incidence of bacterial soft rot and cutworm infestation rating as affected by
different vermitea concentrations
CONCENTRATION
OF VERMITEA (%) BACTERIAL SOFT ROT CUTWORM
100
2.00
2.33
75
2.00
2.33
50
2.00
2.33
25
2.33
2.00
tap water only
2.67
2.67
Farmer’s Practice
2.33
2.33
(100-100-100 kg/ha
N-P-K)
Means with common letters are not significant at 5% level by DMRT
Rating
a. Disease Infection
b. Insect Infestation
Scale Description
Scale Description
1 No disease
1 No Infestation
2
(1-19%) Slight incidence
2 (1-19) Slight Infestation
3
(20-39%) Moderate Incidence
3 (20-39%) Moderate Infestation
4
(40% or more) Severe Incidence 4 (40% or more) Severe Infestation
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
Table 4. Return on Cash Expenses (ROCE) from lettuce per 90m2 as affected by different
concentrations of vermitea.
ITEMS
CONCENTRATIONS OF VERMITEA
T1 T2
T3 T4
T5 T6
Sales
@ P20/kg. small size
-
-
- - 11.21 21.20
@P45/kg. Big sized
22.29
-
- - - -
@P 30/kg medium sized
- 16.81 19.80 15.71 - -
TOTAL SALES (P)
1,003.05 504.3 594
471.3 224.2 636
Farm Inputs
Seeds
50 50
50 50 50 50
Bio-organic Fertilizer
3.33 3.33 3.33 3.33 3.33 3.33
Vermicast
450 337.50 225 112.50 - -
Urea
-
-
- - - 9.07
Triple-14
- - - - - 32.13
Labor
Land Preparation
66.67 66.67 66.67 66.67 66.67 66.67
Planting
16.67 16.67 16.67 16.67 6.67 16.67
Irrigation
14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5
Weeding
8.33 8.33 8.33 8.33 8.33 8.33
Treatment Application
6.33 6.33 6.33 6.33 6.33 6.33
Harvesting 50 50 50 50 50 50
Expenses (P)
695.83 583.33 470.83 358.33 239.50 287.03
Net Income(P)
307.22 -79.33 123.17 112.97 -15.3 348.97
ROCE (%)
44.15b -13.60c 26.16b 31.52b -6. 39c 121.58a
Rank
2 6 4 3 5 1
Area: 90m2 = 600 plants
Legend:
T1 - 100 % vermitea
T2 - 50% vermitea
T3 - 50% vermitea
T4 - 25% vermitea
T5 - Water Only
T6 - 100-100-100 kg/ha N-P-K (Farmers Practice)
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
Table 5. Meteorological Data from December 26, 2011 to February 17, 2012
MONTH RAINFALL
RELATIVE
TEMPERATURE (oC)
SUNSHINE
(mm)
HUMIDITY
MINIMUM MAXIMUM DURATION
(%)
(hrs.)
December 0.72
86.90
25.7
16.1
3.79
January
1.4
83.63
24.15
13.1
4.95
February
3.4
86.6
23.9
10.7
4.77
MEAN
1.84
85.71
24.58
13.3
4.50
Meteorological Data
Table 5 shows the meteorological data from December 26, 2011 to February 17,
2012 which was taken at the BSU-PAG-ASA station. During the conduct of the
experiment, Rainfall has a mean of 1.84mm; Relative Humidity at 85.71%, sunshine
duration at 4.50 hours and minimum and maximum temperature at 13.30C and 24.580C,
respectively.
Lettuce grows well in an environment with a relative humidity of 65-85% with an
optimum temperature of 15-18oC. Hot conditions of greater than 27oC causes the plants
to produce flower shoot, commonly known as bolting and also causes the accumulation of
the bitter latex in the veins which may cause the plants to turn bitter in taste and the leaves
to became tough. Meanwhile, cool temperature causes lettuce to have compact and large
heads. Direct sunshine with duration of 2-4 hours a day is perfect for growing lettuce. As
the rule of the thumb, plants where the edible part is the leaf (like lettuce) will need less
light than if the edible part is the flower or fruit (like broccoli). Vegetable plants also need
1-2 inches of water each week. Too little water will not let the plants grow deep and strong
enough to gather nutrients for good growth while too much water will saturate the soil, not
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
allowing the plant and space needed for growth. Lettuce has a relatively high water
requirement. Soil moisture and rainfall shortage will surely stunt growth and head quality
(Sanders, 2001).
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study was conducted at the Horticultural Experimental Area, Benguet State
University, La Trinidad, Benguet from December 2011 to February 2012 to evaluate the
performance of lettuce as affected by vermitea application, determine the best
concentration of vermitea that will promote or enhance the growth and yield of lettuce and
to determine the cost and return analysis of using vermitea in lettuce production.
Results of the study showed that the lettuce plants applied with 100% vermitea
significantly produced heavier (0.276 kg./head) and bigger heads (49.60 cm in diameter)
which was followed by those produced through farmers practice of applying 100-100-100
kg/ha N-P-K. Decreased measurements in terms of marketable and total yield per 5m2,
computed yield per hectare and in net income was observed with decreasing concentrations
of vermitea.
In terms of profitability, the highest ROCE of 121.58% was obtained from plants
applied with farmers practice at a rate of 100-100-100 kg/ha N-P-K followed by 100%
vermitea application at 44.15 %.
Conclusion
Based from the results presented and discussed, it is inferred that the application of
100% vermitea to lettuce significantly increased the head weight and size of individual
plants but the farmers practice of applying 100-100-100 kg/ha N-P-K still yielded the
highest ROCE at 121.58 %.
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
Recommendation
In terms of conventional farming, it is recommended to follow the farmer’s practice
of applying 100-100-100 kg/ha N-P-K for lettuce production. However, for organic
production of lettuce, 100% vermitea is recommended.
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
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Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
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Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
SANDERS, D.C. 2001. Lettuce Production Retreived 2001 from http://www.ces.ncsu.
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Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012. Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L)
Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different Concentrations of Vermitea. Benguet State
University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Darwin A. Basquial, MSc.
ABSTRACT
Growth and yield response to varying vermitea concentrations and farmer’s practice
(application of chicken dung and complete fertilizer) on ‘Great Lakes XL’ lettuce were
evaluated in December 2011 to February 2012 at the Horticulture Experimental area,
Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet. Economic Analysis of growing the crop
as affected by the treatments was also done.
Results of the study showed that lettuce crops applied with 100% vermitea were
significantly heavier (0.276 kg/head) and bigger in size (49.60cm in diameter) and with
more marketable yield of 7.43 kg per 5m2 plot. In terms of profitability, the highest return
on cash expenses of P1.21 was obtained from plants produced through the farmers practice
of applying 100-100-100 kg/ha N-P-K. However, for organic production of lettuce, 100%
vermitea is recommended.
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Marketable, Non-marketable, Total and Computed Yield
Table 1 shows that plants applied with 100% vermitea significantly effected the
highest marketable, non-marketable, total and computed yield per hectare at 7.43 kg/5m2
and 9.39 kg/5m2 or 14.86 t/ha, respectively. The results, however, are comparable to the
plants applied with the farmer’s practice of applying 100-100-100 kg/ha N-P-K.
Non-marketable yield was not significantly affected by the different fertilizer
treatments. These findings imply that vermitea has a contributory effect on the yield of
lettuce.
This result is attributed to the high nutrient content of vermicompost. It was cited
by Jensen (2001) that the castings contain five times the available nitrogen and seven times
the available potash of the top soil. Therefore, castings are supplied with available
nutrients. Likewise, it was stated by De La Cruz (2009) that slow release of nutrients from
organic fertilizers minimize nutrient losses resulting to efficient uptake by the crops that
leads to higher yield. Aside from its nutrient supplying capacity, vermicompost has
excellent structure, aeration and high water holding capacity. These conditions of the soil
are favorable for crop growth and development.
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
Table 1. Marketable, non-marketable, total and computed yield of lettuce as affected by
different concentrations of vermitea
CONCENTRATION
YIELD (kg.)
COMPUTED
OF VERMITEA (%) MARKETABLE NON-MARKETABLE TOTAL (t/ha)
100
7.43a
1.96a
9.39a 14.86a
75
5.60bc
2.00a
7.60bc 11.21bc
50
6.60abc 2.00a
8.60ab 13.20abc
25
5.24c
2.12a
7.35bc 10.47c
tap water only 3.74d
2.25a
5.99c 7.47d
Farmer’s Paractice 7.07ab
2.25a
8.85ab 14.13ab
(100-100-100 kg/ha
N-P-K )
Means with common letters are not significant at 5% level by DMRT
Average Head Weight and Size
The application of 100% vermitea significantly produced heavier weight of
individual heads of lettuce (0.276 kg/head) and bigger heads (49.60 cm in diameter) as
presented in Table 2. It was consistently observed that there was a corresponding decrease
in the weight and size of individual plants as the concentration of vermitea was decreased.
This could be due to the decreased amount of nitrogen as the concentration of vermitea was
decreased.
Nitrogen is critical to the growth and health of a plant. It is part of the chlorophyll,
the green pigment of the plant that is responsible for photosynthesis. Nitrogen helps plant
with rapid growth, increasing seed and fruit production and improving the quality of leafy
crops. Without it, plants are weaker and smaller than they should be (Cavender et.al,
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
Table 2. Average head weight and size of lettuce as affected by different concentrations
of vermitea at harvest
CONCENTRATION
HEAD WEIGHT
HEAD SIZE
OF VERMITEA (%)
(kg)
(cm)
100
0.276a
49.60a
75
0.224bc
42.23c
50
0.253abc
48.30ab
25
0. 216cd
43.57bc
tap water only
0. 176d
41.00c
Farmer’s Parctice
0. 264ab
45.83abc
(100-100-100 kg/ha
N-P-K)
Means with common letters are not significant at 5% level by DMRT
2001). Lagman (2003) found that organic matter of vermicompost supplies the Nitrogen
required for plant growth. It serves as an energy source for micro floral and micro faunal
organisms. The worm produces pounds of nitrogen during the decomposition process. This
nitrogen was utilized by the crop during the growing period.
Bacterial Soft Rot and Cutworm Infestation
As shown in table 3, there were slight incidence of bacterial soft rot and cutworm
infestation and there were no significant differences among the treatments.
Bacterial soft rot is a common disease caused by a soil dwelling bacteria. It does
not appear to survive in the soil but can survive on plant debris. Infected plant tissues first
develop a water-soaked lesion that enlarges rapidly in diameter and depth. The affected
area becomes soft and mushy and generally turns a dark color in advanced stages of disease
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
development. Rainfall and high temperatures enhance infection in the field. Soft rot
bacteria can grow over a temperature range of 5-37°C and with an optimum temperature
of about 22°C. Cutworms are oil-dwelling nocturnal caterpillars of several moths, which
eat plant roots. The worst damage is done to young plants with tap roots wherein lettuce
suffers especially badly. The cutworms eat the stem or just below the soil surface. The
plant eventually collapses, but by then the cutworm is attacking another plant. This can
happen suddenly, but early warning signs are wilting and stunted growth. In fact, they often
work along rows, killing one plant after another (Lettuce Pest Guide, 2011).
Vermitea helps fight plant diseases. The high concentrations of humus in vermitea
help to prevent harmful plant pathogens, fungi, nematodes and bacteria. It also suppresses
diseases such as club root and white rot. The beneficial microbes present in vermitea has
been found to bring natural fungal disease-suppressant qualities when sprayed onto the
leaves of plants (Duchock, 2011)
Economic Analysis
The different total yields and costs of farm inputs had resulted to the differences in
net income and return of expenses from the different concentrations of vermitea application
(Table 4). The farmers practice of applying 100-100-100 kg/ha N-P-K has significantly
produced higher return on cash expenses. Comparatively lower ROCE was noted with the
application of vermitea. This was mainly due to the high cost of vermicast used in the
experiment.
In contrast, the costs associated with organic production are relatively stable,
predictable and comparative to conventional agriculture, according to Stonehouse (2000).
The main areas of cost identified were inputs and labor. Most farmers reported that the cost
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
of inputs (composts, feeds, soil amendments etc.) is fairly constant. Because organic
farming excludes the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, the
total cost of inputs used is generally lower than in conventional production.
Table 3. Incidence of bacterial soft rot and cutworm infestation rating as affected by
different vermitea concentrations
CONCENTRATION
OF VERMITEA (%) BACTERIAL SOFT ROT CUTWORM
100
2.00
2.33
75
2.00
2.33
50
2.00
2.33
25
2.33
2.00
tap water only
2.67
2.67
Farmer’s Practice
2.33
2.33
(100-100-100 kg/ha
N-P-K)
Means with common letters are not significant at 5% level by DMRT
Rating
a. Disease Infection
b. Insect Infestation
Scale Description
Scale Description
1 No disease
1 No Infestation
2
(1-19%) Slight incidence
2 (1-19) Slight Infestation
3
(20-39%) Moderate Incidence
3 (20-39%) Moderate Infestation
4
(40% or more) Severe Incidence 4 (40% or more) Severe Infestation
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
Table 4. Return on Cash Expenses (ROCE) from lettuce per 90m2 as affected by different
concentrations of vermitea.
ITEMS
CONCENTRATIONS OF VERMITEA
T1 T2
T3 T4
T5 T6
Sales
@ P20/kg. small size
-
-
- - 11.21 21.20
@P45/kg. Big sized
22.29
-
- - - -
@P 30/kg medium sized
- 16.81 19.80 15.71 - -
TOTAL SALES (P)
1,003.05 504.3 594
471.3 224.2 636
Farm Inputs
Seeds
50 50
50 50 50 50
Bio-organic Fertilizer
3.33 3.33 3.33 3.33 3.33 3.33
Vermicast
450 337.50 225 112.50 - -
Urea
-
-
- - - 9.07
Triple-14
- - - - - 32.13
Labor
Land Preparation
66.67 66.67 66.67 66.67 66.67 66.67
Planting
16.67 16.67 16.67 16.67 6.67 16.67
Irrigation
14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5
Weeding
8.33 8.33 8.33 8.33 8.33 8.33
Treatment Application
6.33 6.33 6.33 6.33 6.33 6.33
Harvesting 50 50 50 50 50 50
Expenses (P)
695.83 583.33 470.83 358.33 239.50 287.03
Net Income(P)
307.22 -79.33 123.17 112.97 -15.3 348.97
ROCE (%)
44.15b -13.60c 26.16b 31.52b -6. 39c 121.58a
Rank
2 6 4 3 5 1
Area: 90m2 = 600 plants
Legend:
T1 - 100 % vermitea
T2 - 50% vermitea
T3 - 50% vermitea
T4 - 25% vermitea
T5 - Water Only
T6 - 100-100-100 kg/ha N-P-K (Farmers Practice)
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
Table 5. Meteorological Data from December 26, 2011 to February 17, 2012
MONTH RAINFALL
RELATIVE
TEMPERATURE (oC)
SUNSHINE
(mm)
HUMIDITY
MINIMUM MAXIMUM DURATION
(%)
(hrs.)
December 0.72
86.90
25.7
16.1
3.79
January
1.4
83.63
24.15
13.1
4.95
February
3.4
86.6
23.9
10.7
4.77
MEAN
1.84
85.71
24.58
13.3
4.50
Meteorological Data
Table 5 shows the meteorological data from December 26, 2011 to February 17,
2012 which was taken at the BSU-PAG-ASA station. During the conduct of the
experiment, Rainfall has a mean of 1.84mm; Relative Humidity at 85.71%, sunshine
duration at 4.50 hours and minimum and maximum temperature at 13.30C and 24.580C,
respectively.
Lettuce grows well in an environment with a relative humidity of 65-85% with an
optimum temperature of 15-18oC. Hot conditions of greater than 27oC causes the plants
to produce flower shoot, commonly known as bolting and also causes the accumulation of
the bitter latex in the veins which may cause the plants to turn bitter in taste and the leaves
to became tough. Meanwhile, cool temperature causes lettuce to have compact and large
heads. Direct sunshine with duration of 2-4 hours a day is perfect for growing lettuce. As
the rule of the thumb, plants where the edible part is the leaf (like lettuce) will need less
light than if the edible part is the flower or fruit (like broccoli). Vegetable plants also need
1-2 inches of water each week. Too little water will not let the plants grow deep and strong
enough to gather nutrients for good growth while too much water will saturate the soil, not
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
allowing the plant and space needed for growth. Lettuce has a relatively high water
requirement. Soil moisture and rainfall shortage will surely stunt growth and head quality
(Sanders, 2001).
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study was conducted at the Horticultural Experimental Area, Benguet State
University, La Trinidad, Benguet from December 2011 to February 2012 to evaluate the
performance of lettuce as affected by vermitea application, determine the best
concentration of vermitea that will promote or enhance the growth and yield of lettuce and
to determine the cost and return analysis of using vermitea in lettuce production.
Results of the study showed that the lettuce plants applied with 100% vermitea
significantly produced heavier (0.276 kg./head) and bigger heads (49.60 cm in diameter)
which was followed by those produced through farmers practice of applying 100-100-100
kg/ha N-P-K. Decreased measurements in terms of marketable and total yield per 5m2,
computed yield per hectare and in net income was observed with decreasing concentrations
of vermitea.
In terms of profitability, the highest ROCE of 121.58% was obtained from plants
applied with farmers practice at a rate of 100-100-100 kg/ha N-P-K followed by 100%
vermitea application at 44.15 %.
Conclusion
Based from the results presented and discussed, it is inferred that the application of
100% vermitea to lettuce significantly increased the head weight and size of individual
plants but the farmers practice of applying 100-100-100 kg/ha N-P-K still yielded the
highest ROCE at 121.58 %.
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
Recommendation
In terms of conventional farming, it is recommended to follow the farmer’s practice
of applying 100-100-100 kg/ha N-P-K for lettuce production. However, for organic
production of lettuce, 100% vermitea is recommended.
Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012
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Performance of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) Cv. Great Lakes XL as Affected by Different
Concentrations of Vermitea | OCBUS, JUDELYN T. APRIL 2012