BIBLIOGRAPHY GANADO, SHERWIN T. ...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011. Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach
Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied with Natural Fertilizers Benguet State
Universty, La Trinidad Benguet.
Adviser: Silvestre L. Kudan, PhD.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted at the Balili Experimental Area, Benguet State University, La
Trinidad, Benguet from October 2010 to Febuary 2011. This study was conducted to specifically
evaluate the growth and yield of red and green stemmed Malabar spinach ‘Pulaan’ and ‘Luntian’
applied with different natural fertilizers, determine the best natural fertilizers for Malabar
spinach, determine the profitability of Malabar spinach using the different natural fertilizers,
determine the interaction effect between the Malabar spinach cultivars and natural.
Malabar spinach ‘Pulaan’ produced slightly more shoots than the ‘Luntian’ with
characteristically bigger and heavier shoots consequently producing significantly heavier yield of
4.32 kg from two plants in four months harvesting compared to the 2.68 kg from the ‘Luntian’.
All the data gathered to measure the growth and yield of Malabar spinach show that the
application of chicken manure + 14-14-14 (farmer’s practice), had slightly higher values
compared to the liquid bio-fertilizer, concentrated mineral drops, vermin compost,
plantmate and the no fertilizer application (Control). However, when the profitability was
computed, the use of liquid bio-fertilizer had the highest return on expenses of Ph2.81 for
every peso spent followed by the use of concentrated mineral drops
(Ph2.75), no fertilizer application (Contro) (Ph2.71), chicken manure + 14-14-14 (Ph2.66),
plantmate (Ph2.57), and vermin compost (Ph2.52), due to the differences in the prices of the
fertilizers.
There were no significant interactions between the cultivars and fertilizers in all the data
gathered.
Based on the results of the study, ‘Pulaan’ Malabar spinach should be planted to obtain
higher yield and the application of liquid bio-fertilizer to get higher profit.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography…………………………………………………………………... i
Abstract………………………………………………………………………... i
Table of Contents……………………………………………………….……... iii
INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………….. 1
REVIEW OF LITERATURE…………………………………………………
3
MATERIALS AND METHODS……………………………………………..
8
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION……………………………………………… 11
Number of Shoots Produced per Plant …..……………………………. 11
Diameter of Vines (cm)……...………………………………………… 11
Weight of Individual Shoot (g)………………………………………... 13
Total Yield (kg)………………………………………………………... 15
Profitability……………………………………………………………. 15
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary………………………………………………………………. 18
Conclusion…………………………………………………………….. 18
Recommendation……………………………………………………… 19
LITERATURE CITED………………………………………………………... 20
APPENDICES………………………………………………………………… 21
INTRODUCTION
There are many vegetables that can be grown in the province of Benguet but
farmers only plant cabbage, chayote, potato, carrots in large volume and in little volume
of minor crops like peas, herbs and none of malabar spinach which can be grown in La
Trinidad. The practice of growing different crops is important not only pests control,
nutrient deficiency prevention, but also ensures higher income by the farmers, variety of
food choices by the consumers and more plants to protect the soil surface to prevent
erosion.
In fertilizer application, for so long a time farmers have been depending so much
on synthetic fertilizer materials. The applications of these materials are not even based on
soil analysis so that only the kind and the amount needed is applied. Most often than not,
the amount being applied is far more than what is required. This practice resulted to
extremely acidic soil, very low organic matter content and other unfavourable condition
for crop growth. There is a need to improve the sick soil condition through application of
natural fertilizer materials.
Aside from the strong typhoons affecting vegetables, Benguet climatic condition
favors the production of most vegetable crops with premium quality. Malabar spinach or
“alugbati” is observed to be growing well under La Trinidad condition twining on fences
and other plants but neglected. The plant was accidentally analysed to contain
glucosinolates, a compound to prevent cancer.
Similarly, the results from the different natural fertilizer materials will be of help
in promoting alternatives to the odorous, dry undecomposed chicken dung which is the
only organic fertilizer material being used by Benguet farmers. Moreover, the build up of
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
2
soil fertilizer with the use of natural fertilizer materials is the only way to make crop
production sustainable to cope up with the increasing population. To comply with the
Philippine National Standards in crop production, results of this study may be of help in
improving the agriculture sector.
The study was conducted to specifically:
1. Evaluate the growth and yield of red and green stemmed Malabar spinach
applied with the different natural fertilizers;
2. Determine the best natural fertilizer materials for Malabar spinach production;
3. Determine the profitability of Malabar spinach production applied with the
different natural fertilizers;
4. Determine the interaction effect between the Malabar spinach cultivars and
natural fertilizes used in the study.
The study was conducted at Balili Experiment area of Benguet State University,
La Trinidad, Benguet from October 2010 to Febuary 2011.
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Description of Malabar Spinach
Malabar Spinach belongs to Basellaceae family (Rubatzky and Yamaguchi, 1997).
It is a perennial vine found in the tropics where it is widely used as a leaf vegetable. It is
fast-growing, soft stemmed vine, reaching 10m in length. Its thick, semi-succulent, heart-
shape 5 to 10 cm leaves have a mild flavor and mucilaginous texture. The stem of the
cultivar Basella alba is green and Basella rubra is reddish-purple (Grubben and Denton,
2004). Malabar Spinach is one of the most popular indigenous leafy vegetables in the
Philippines. Originally from India, it is usually found in settled areas, in hedges, old
cultivated areas, etc., throughout the Philippines. It is extensively grown in market
gardens and home gardens and is being sold even in supermarkets in Visayas and
Mindanao. It is also cultivated in tropical Asia, Africa, and Malaya (Bureau of
Agricultural Statistics [BAS], 2006). Malabar spinach is in the Basellaceae family, not
the spinach family. The taste is similar to spinach, however this crop is a very warm-
season crop unlike standard spinach grown in the Northeastern US. This crop is native to
tropical Asia, probably originating from India or Indonesia and is extremely heat
tolerance (Rubatzky and Yamaguchi, 1997).
Nutritional Importance
Malabar Spinach has a pleasant, mild spinach flavor that some may find earthy. It
is slimy when overcooked, which makes it an excellent thickening agent in soups and
stews. Common market product, a popular leafy and stew vegetable, a good substitute for
spinach.
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
4
The green and purple cultivated varieties are preferable to the wild ones. Both the
young shoots and stems are eaten. The purplish dye from the ripe fruit is used as food
color and as rouge for the face. The cooked roots are used to treat diarrhea, while cooked
leaves and stems are used as laxative. The flowers are used as antidote for poison. A
paste of the root is used as a rubefacient or applied to swellings. A paste of the leaves is
applied externally to treat boils. Per 100 grams (g) edible portion, alugbati leaves
contains 16 kcal energy, 1.4 g protein, 0.4 g fat, 2.6 g carbohydrates, 135 mg calcium, 12
mg phosphorus, 6.2 mg iron, 6,390 (U.I) vitamin A, 0.04 mg thiamine, 0.12 mg
riboflavin, 0.6mg niacin, 85mg ascorbic acid (Mitra, 1985).
Medicinal Importance
Malabar spinach is recommended as an antidote, aperients, astringent, demulcent,
diuretic, febrifuge and laxative. Astringent – the cooked roots are used in the treatment of
diarrhea. Laxative – the cooked leaves and stems are used. The plant is febrifuge, its juice
is a safe aperient for pregnant women and a decoction has been used to alleviate labor
(Demis, 2009). Excellent source of calcium and iron; good source of vitamins A, B, and
C, with a high roughage value. Roots are employed as rubefacient. Poultice of leaves
used to reduce local swelling. Sap is applied to acne eruptions to reduce inflammation.
Decoction of leaves used for its mild laxative effects. Pulped leaves applied to boils and
ulcers to hasten suppuration. Sugared juice of leaves useful for catarrhal afflictions. Leaf-
juice, mixed with butter, is soothing and cooling when applied to burns and scalds
(Oomen and Grubben, 1978).
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
5
Climate and Soil Requirement
Malabar spinach grows well under full sunlight in hot, humid climates and in
areas lower than 500 m above sea level. Growth is slow in low temperatures resulting in
low yields. Flowering is induced during the short-day months of November to February.
Malabar spinach grows best in sandy loam soils rich in organic matter with pH ranging
from 5.5 to 8.0 (Grubben and Denton, 2004).
Production
Malabar spinach is a warm season crop and should be direct seeded when all
danger of frost has passed and night temperatures are above 60 degrees F. Plant seeds 1
inch deep, 1 inch apart in rows in 2.5 feet apart thin germinated seedlings to 1 foot.
Malabar spinach can also be started as transplants eight weeks before the last frost.
Malabar spinach is fast growing and tolerates high rainfall. This is a fast growing
vine plant and produces best when trellised. Stem tips (6-8 inches) are harvested 55-70
days after seeding. Repeated harvests of new growth stems can be made throughout the
season (Rubatzky and Yamaguchi, 1997).
Propagation
Alugbati is usually planted in home gardens using cuttings. Use mature stem
cuttings 20-25 cm long with at least 3 internodes. Soak the cuttings in water overnight or
store in a damp, shady area for 1-2 days. Plant 2-4 cuttings at 15-20 cm between hills and
20-30 cm between rows. Water before and after planting and if the soil is dry and mulch
with grass clippings or rice straw. For market gardens, sow seeds in rows or broadcast on
well-prepared seedbeds. Transplant seedlings at 20 cm x 20 cm distance between plants
at 3 weeks after sowing and water regularly to ensure high survival rate.
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
6
Varieties
There are three common types of Malabar spinach: Basella alba with green stem
and oval to almost round leaves; Basella rubra with red stems and green, oval to round
leaves; and a third type, which is a hybrid of the two. The Institute of Plant Breeding of
the University of the Philippines Los Banos (IPB-UPLB) has released two stopgap
varieties in 1981 through its Germplasm Registration and Release Office: the red-
stemmed ‘Pulahan’ and the green-stemmed ‘Luntian.’
Glucosinolates
Substances occurring widely in plants of the genus Brassica (e.g. broccoli,
Brussels sprouts, cabbage); broken down by the enzyme myrosinase to yield, among
other products, the mustard oils which are responsible for the pungent flavor (especially
in mustard and horseradish). Some glucosinolates interfere with the metabolism of iodine
by the thyroid gland, and hence are goitrogens. There is evidence that the various
glucosinolates in vegetables may have useful anti‐cancer activity, since they increase the
rate at which a variety of potentially toxic and carcinogenic compounds are conjugated
and excreted (David, 2005).
Liquid Bio-Fertilizers
These liquid Bio-Fertilizers have the shelf life of two years. The application of
these liquid formulations in the field is very simple and easy. They are applied using hand
sprayers, power sprayers, fertigation tanks and as basal manure mixed along with FYM
etc. Liquid Bio-Fertilizer contains special cell protectants or substances that encourage
formation of resting spores or cysts. It also contains special nutrients that ensure longer
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
7
shelf life, better survival on seeds and soil and tolerance to adverse conditions. The
organisms employed in the Liquid Bio-Fertilizer are stabilized during production,
distribution and storage, the activity is enhanced after the contact and interaction with the
target crops.
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials
The materials used in the study were Malabar spinach cuttings of the two cultivar,
garden tools, and the fertilizer materials specified in the treatments, weighing scale, tape
measure, identifying tags.
Experiment Design and Treatments
The experiment was laid out following the split-plot design, wherein Factor A
was the cultivars and Factor B was the fertilizers which were represented as follows:
Factor A-Cultivar
Description
C1
red-stemmed Malabar spinach ‘Pulaan’
C2
green-stemmed Malabar spinach ‘Luntian’
Factor B- Fertilizer
Nutrient Analysis
F1 No fertilizer application (check)
F2 Vermi compost (500g per plant hill)
N: 1.66%, P2O5: 1.57%,
K2O: 0.14%
F3
Plantmate (120g per plant hill)
N: 2.0%, P: 3.0%, K: 3.0%
F4 Concentrated Mineral Drops (8 ml
C: 249 mg/ml, B: 0.406,
per16 liters of water
mg/ml, K: 14 mg/ml, Su:
26.6 So: 11.6 mg/ml, Li:
0.544 mg/ml, Ca: 0.0947
mg/ml
F5 Liquid Bio-fertilizer (30ml per 16
N: 5%, P205: 7%, K20: 8%,
liters of water
MgO: 0.73%, CaO: 0.68%, S:
2.0%
F6 Farmer’s Practice ( half liter/ hill
14%N, 14% P, 14% K
of chicken dung+250g/ hill
of 14-14-14 (control)
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
9
Land Preparation
An area of 1 m x 100 m was cleaned from weeds, dug and levelled. It was divided
into two equal lengths of 50 m each which was assigned for the red-malabar spinach and
the green- stemmed malabar spinach. The 50 m area was further divided into three for the
blocks and each block was also subdivided into six to represent the treatments. The vermi
compost, plantmate and chicken dung was applied to their assigned area and mixed with
the soil before planting.
Planting the Cuttings
Vine cuttings of red-stemmed and the green-stemmed malabar spinach was
secured from Balili farmers and was planted on the prepared area where each cultivar
occupied 50 m long plot. The distance of planting each vine cutting was 50 cm and each
treatment combinations had two sample plants.
Care and Management
The plants were irrigated from planting the vine cuttings which was done twice a
week up to the termination of the study. Weeding was done as soon as weeds were seen
growing to compete with the plants.
The application of concentrated mineral drops and the liquid bio-fertilizer to their
assigned plants was done every 10 days following the application rates in the treatments.
Harvesting
Shoots were harvested when the plant were established and was done every time
there are shoots to be harvested. The length of shoots harvested was 8 inches in all the
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
10
treatment plants. The shoots were pocked in polyethylene bags at 500 g each and were
marketed to the BSU organic market.
Data Gathered
The data gathered, tabulated, computed and means subjected to separation test
using the Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) were the following:
1. Days from planting the cuttings to first harvesting. This was the number of days
from planting the vine cuttings to the day shoots can be first harvested.
2. Number of shoots produced per plant. This was the numbers of shoots
harvested from the first to the last shoot harvest in four months duration of harvesting.
The total counts of shoots were divided by two sample plants.
3. Diameter of vines (cm). Ten sample shoots per treatment each month were
measured then added and divided by the number of shoots measured during the study to
get the average diameter of vines.
4. Total yield (kg). This was the weight of shoots harvested in four months
harvesting from the first harvest to the termination of the study.
5. Weight per shoots (g). This was obtained dividing the total weight of shoots by
the total number of shoots harvested.
6. Profitability. The inputs for each treatment were recorded and the return on
expenses was computed using the formula:
Return on Expenses = Total Sales per Treatment-Expenses per Treatment
Total Expenses per Treatment
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Number of Shoots Produce per Plant
Effect of cultivars. The shoots harvested from malabar spinach ‘Pulaan’ had higher
counts compared to the malabar spinach ‘Luntian’ as shown in Table 1. Statistical analysis
shows slight difference between the two cultivars in the number the number of shoots
produced per plant. This means that the two cultivars can produce similar number of shoots
per plant in five months.
Effect of natural fertilizer materials. Table 1 shows that the different fertilizer
materials used in the study did not differ in the number of shoots produced per plant.
However, the plants not applied with fertilizer material had the lowest counts of shoots
while the farmer’s practice of applying chicken dung + 14-14-14 had the highest count of
shoots per plant. The insignificant differences in the number of shoots per plant may
suggest that the soil contain sufficient nutrient elements for the plants.
Interaction effect. No significant interaction effect existed between the cultivars and
the natural fertilizer materials on the number of shoots produced per plant.
Diameter of Vines
Effect of cultivar. As presented in Table 2 the vines of malabar spinach ‘Pulaan’ is
significantly wider than the malabar spinach ‘Luntian’. Apparently this difference is a
varietal characteristic as the ‘Pulaan’ has shooter nodes and broader leaves, while the
‘Luntian’ has longer internodes.
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
12
Table 1. Number of shoots produced per plant
TREATMENT
MEAN
Cultivar
‘Pulaan’
563.72a
‘Luntian’
496.28a
Organic Fertilizer
No fertilizer application (check)
397.83a
Vermi compost
527.67a
Plantmate
523.00a
Concentrated mineral drops
569.17a
Liquid bio-fertilizer
530.50a
Chicken dung + 14-14-14 (farmer’s practice)
601.50a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% levels of DMRT.
Effect of natural fertilizer materials. The vines of plants not applied with fertilizer
had the smallest measurement compared to those applied with fertilizer as shown in Table
2. The differences in vine measurements however did not statistically differ. Again, the
level of soil fertility before applying the different fertilizer treatments may be high thus; the
effect of the applied fertilizer did not very significantly.
Interaction effect. No significant interaction effect exists between cultivars and the
natural fertilizer materials on the diameter of vines.
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
13
Table 2. Diameter of vines
TREATMENT
MEAN (cm)
Cultivar
.48a
‘Pulaan’
.41b
‘Luntian’
Organic Fertilizer
No fertilizer application (check)
.38a
Vermi compost
.45a
Plantmate
.45a
Concentrated mineral drops
.46a
Liquid bio-fertilizer
.47a
Chicken dung + 14-14-14 (farmer’s practice)
.45a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% levels of DMRT.
Weight of Individual Shoots
Effect of cultivars. As shown in Table 3, the weight per shoot of malabar spinach
‘Pulaan’ was significantly heavier than the malabar spinach ‘Luntian’. This significantly
heavier shoots of ‘Pulaan’ is due to its characteristically bigger vines compared to the
‘Luntian’. This also explains the significantly heavier yield over the ‘Luntian’ malabar
spinach.
Effect of natural fertilizer materials. The heaviest weight of individual shoots was
weighed from plants applied with vermi compost and farmer’s practice while the lightest
shoots was harvested from plants without fertilizer application, but the differences among
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
14
Table 3. Weight of individual shoot
TREATMENT
MEAN (g)
Cultivar
3.82a
‘Pulaan’
2.65b
‘Luntian’
Organic Fertilizer
No fertilizer application (check)
3.06a
Vermi compost
3.29a
Plantmate
3.24a
Concentrated mineral drops
3.25a
Liquid bio-fertilizer
3.28a
Chicken dung + 14-14-14 (farmer’s practice)
3.29a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% levels of DMRT.
the treatments were very slight ( Table 3 ). This means that the fertilizer materials used had
not improved further the fertility level of the soil.
Interaction effect. No significant differences were noted on the weight per shoots of
malabar spinach which means that not one of the cultivars responded better to the fertilizers
or none from the fertilizer materials used provided nutrient elements better than the soil
shown by the plant not applied fertilizer (control ).
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
15
Total Yield
Effect of cultivar. The computed yield from two cultivars of malabar spinach shows
highly significant difference (Table 4). ‘Pulaan’ malabar spinach significantly out yielded
the ‘Luntian’ by 1.64 kg. from two plant sample in months harvesting. This difference is
mainly influenced by the significantly bigger vines of ‘Pulaan’ which is a varietal
characteristic.
Table 4. Total yield from two sample plants
TREATMENT
MEAN (kg)
Cultivar
4.32a
‘Pulaan’
2.68b
‘Luntian’
Organic Fertilizer
No fertilizer application (check)
2.73a
Vermi compost
3.53a
Plantmate
3.38a
Concentrated mineral drops
3.69a
Liquid bio-fertilizer
3.70a
Chicken dung + 14-14-14 (farmer’s practice)
4.00a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% levels of DMRT.
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
16
Effect of natural fertilizer materials. The highest yield was produced by plants
applied with chicken dung and 14-14-14 (farmer’s practice) and the lowest yield was
harvested from the plants not applied with fertilizer (control) but the difference among the
fertilizer treatments showed insignificant differences (Table 4). As mentioned earlier, the
experiment area has high organic matter content and nutrients already.
Interaction effect. No significant interaction existed between the cultivar and the
different natural fertilizer materials in terms of the total yield.
Profitability
Table 5 shows computation of sales and expenses from the different treatment of 6
sq m. Plants applied with liquid bio fertilizer obtained the highest net income showing a
return on expenses of 280.61% or 2.81 for every peso spent in the production. This was
followed by the application of concentrated mineral drops, no fertilizer application,
farmer’s practice plantmate and the vermi compost has the lowest return on expenses.
The farmer’s practice produced the highest yield and sales while the plants without
fertilizer application, the lowest but the higher expenses incurred by the farmer’s practice
lowered the profit which was surpassed by the control or no fertilizer application.
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% levels of DMRT.
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
17
Table 5. Economic analysis per treatment from 6 sq m area
T R E A T M E N T
NO
FERTILIZER
VERMI
PLANT-
CMD
LIQUID BIO- FARMER’S
ITEM
APLLICATION
COMPOST
MATE
FERTILIZER PRACTICE
(CONTROL)
YIELD ( KG)
16.38
21.15
20.30
22.12
22.20
24.02
SALES (Ph)
982.80
1,269.00 1,327.20 1,332.00
1,332.00
1,441.20
INPUTS:
76.96
X-tekh
Compost
90.00
72.00
CMD
81.00
Chicken
dung
55.00
14-14-14
72.00
LABOR
COST:
Land
33.00
33.00
33.00
33.00
33.00
33.00
preparation
Planting
16.00
16.00
16.00
16.00
16.00
16.00
Irrigation
58.00
58.00
58.00
58.00
58.00
58.00
Weeding
33.00
33.00
33.00
33.00
33.00
33.00
Harvesting
125.00
130.00
129.00
133.00
133.00
137.00
Expenses
265.00
360.00
341.00
354.00
349.96
404.00
(Php)
Net
717.80
909.00
877.00
973.20
982.04 1,073.20
Income
(Php)
ROE
271.24
252.20
257.18
274.92
280.61
265.64
RANK
3
6
5
2
1
4
*Note: The selling price of Malabar spinach shoots per kilogram was Php 60.00
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study was conducted at Balili Organic Farm of Benguet State University, La
Trinidad, Benguet from October 2010 to February 2011 to evaluate the growth and yield
of ‘Pulaan’ and ‘Luntian’ Malabar spinach applied with different fertilizers, determine
the best natural fertilizer materials for Malabar spinach production, determine the
profitability of Malabar spinach applied with the different natural fertilizers, and
determine the interaction effect between the Malabar spinach cultivars and natural
fertilizer materials.
As to cultivars, result shows that ‘Pulaan’ had characteristically bigger vines of
0.48 cm compared to the ‘Luntian’ vines of 0.41 cm. In terms of weight, ‘Pulaan’ shoot
measuring 8 inches or 20.32 cm has 3.82 g compared to ‘Luntian’ of 2.65. The number
of shoots produced per plant is also more from ‘Pulaan’ than the ‘Luntian’. This cultivar
differences resulted to significantly higher yield from ‘Pulaan’ Malabar spinach.
Among the fertilizers used in the study, there were no significant differences
observed in all the data taken. However, plants not applied with fertilizer consistently
obtained the lowest in all the data gathered. This means that the nutrient contents of the
different fertilizers applied were able to enhance growth and yield of the Malabar spinach
(alugbati) only that the experiment area may contain sufficient nutrient elements or the
amount of fertilizers is not enough to give significant increase in yield.
There were no significant interaction effects between the two cultivars and the
different fertilizers used in the study. This means that not one of the cultivars responded
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
19
better than the other one to the different fertilizer materials applied or the fertilizer
material had not further stimulated the growth and development of the crop.
It was computed that the application of liquid bio-fertilizer obtained the highest
net income with a return on expenses of Ph2.81 for every peso spent in the production
and this was followed by the application of concentrated mineral drops with Ph 2.75 for
every peso spent. The no fertilizer application closely followed with Ph 2.71, then the
farmer’s practice (Ph 2.66), plantmate (Ph 2.57) and vermin compost (Ph 2.52).
Conclusion
Based from the results presented and discussed, ‘Pulaan” Malabar spinach
“alugbati” is more productive and profitable than the ‘Luntian’ and the application of
liquid bio-fertilizer may obtain higher net income over the other fertilizers.
Recommendation
It is therefore recommended that ‘Pulaan’ Malabar spinach should be planted to
obtain higher yield and the application of liquid bio-fertilizer to get higher profit. It is
also recommended that these result be verified in other locations for validation of results.
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
APPENDICES
Appendix Table 1. Number of shoots produced per plant
TREATMENT
B L O C K
TOTAL MEAN
I
II
III
RED-STEMMED
Control
528
553
519 1600 533.33
Vermi compost 295
709
635 1639 546.33
Plantmate
376
751
391 1518 506
CMD
698
562
441 1701 567
Liquid Bio-fertilizer 440
646
634 1720 573.33
Farmer’ Practice 607
767
595 1969 656.33
GREEN-STEMMED
Control
250 197
340 787 262.33
Vermi compost 450
601
476 1527 509
Plantmate
622
366
632 1720 540
CMD
698
558
458 1714 571.33
Liquid Bio-fertilizer 508
546
591 1645 548.33
Farmer’ Practice 413 737 490 1640 546.67
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
DEGREES
SOURCE OF
OF
SUM OF
MEAN OF COMPUTED
PROB
VARIATION FREEDOM SQUARES SQUARES
F
Factor A
1
40938.778 40938.778 2.3103 0.1416ns
Factor B
5
150716.667 30143.333 1.7011 0.1727ns
AB
5
92053.222 18410.644 10390 0.4177ns
Error
24
425279.333 17719.972
TOTAL
35
708988.000
ns = not significant
Coefficient of variation = 25.12%
23
Appendix Table 2. Diameter of vine (cm)
B L O C K
TREATMENT
I
II
III
TOTAL
MEAN
RED-STEMMED
Control
.40
.43 .41 1.24
.41
Vermi compost .48
.48 .48
1.42
.47
Plantmate
.4 .48 .48
1.43
.48
CMD
.48 .49 .48
1.45
.48
Liquid Bio-fertilizer .49
.58 .55
1.62
.54
Farmer’ Practice .49
.49 .47
1.45
.48
GREEN-STEMMED
Control
.30
.37 .39
1.06
.35
Vermi compost .41
.44 .42
1.27
.42
Plantmate
.43
.40 .43 1.26
.42
CMD
.44
.43 .42
1.29
.43
Liquid Bio-fertilizer .42
.42 .45
1.29
.43
Farmer’ Practice .43 .43 .38
1.24
.41
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
DEGREES
SOURCE OF
OF
SUM OF MEAN OF COMPUTED
PROB
VARIATION FREEDOM SQUARES SQUARES
F
Factor A
1
0.032 0.032 55.3092 0.0000**
Factor B
5
0.001 0.000 0.3874 ns
AB
5
0.000 0.000 0.1556 ns
Error
24
0.014 0.001
TOTA
35
0.047
** = highly significant
Coefficient of variation = 5.29%
ns = not significant
24
Appendix Table 3. Weight per shoot (g)
B L O C K
TREATMENT
I
II
III
TOTAL
MEAN
RED-STEMMED
Control
3.71
3.68
3.62
11.01
3.67
Vermi compost 3.68
4.12
3.87
11.67
3.89
Plantmate
3.96
4.01
3.82
11.79
3.93
CMD
3.76
3.70
3.82
11.28
3.76
Liquid Bio-fertilizer 3.78
3.83
3.91
11.52
3.84
Farmer’ Practice 3.86
3.67
3.98
11.51
3.84
GREEN-STEMMED
Control
2.50
2.49
2.38
7.37
2.45
Vermi compost 2.80
2.59
2.67
8.06
2.69
Plantmate
2.61
2.48
2.57
7.66
2.55
CMD
2.64
2.72
2.87
8.23
2.74
Liquid Bio-fertilizer 2.60
2.86
2.71
8.17
2.72
Farmer’ Practice 2.97
2.70
2.59
8.26
2.75
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
DEGREES
SOURCE OF
OF
SUM OF MEAN OF COMPUTED
PROB
VARIATION FREEDOM SQUARES SQUARES
F
Factor A
1
11.178 11.178
653.7835 0.0000**
Factor B
5
0.015 0.003
0.1794 ns
AB
5
0.206 0.041 2.4139 0.0658ns
Error
24
0.410 0.017
TOTAL
35
11.810
** = highly significant
Coefficient of variation = 3.99%
ns = not significant
25
Appendix Table 4. Total yield (kg)
B L O C K
TREATMENT
I
II
III
TOTAL MEAN
RED-STEMMED
Control
3.98 4.06 3.96
11.94
3.98
Vermi compost 2.17 5.85 4.91 12.93
4.31
Plantmate
2.98
6.02 2.98
11.98
3.99
CMD
5.24
4.16 3.37
12.77
4.26
Liquid Bio-fertilizer 3.33
4.94 4.95
13.22
4.41
Farmer’ Practice 4.68
5.62 4.74
15.04
5.01
GREEN-STEMMED
Control
1.94 1.13 1.82
4.44
1.48
Vermi compost 2.52 3.12 2.58
8.22
2.74
Plantmate
3.25
1.82 3.25
8.32
2.77
CMD
3.69 3.03 2.63
9.35
3.12
Liquid Bio-fertilizer 2.64 3.13 3.21
8.98
2.99
Farmer’ Practice 2.45
3.99 2.540
8.98
2.99
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
DEGREES
SOURCE OF
OF
SUM OF MEAN OF COMPUTED
PROB
VARIATION FREEDOM SQUARES SQUARES
F
Factor A
1
24.321 24.321
27.0045 0.0000**
Factor B
5
5.611 1.122
1.2460 0.3190ns
AB
5
2.050 0.410 0.4552
ns
Error
24
21.615 0.901
______
TOTAL
35
53.598
** = highly significant
Coefficient of variation = 27.08%
ns = not significant
GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011. Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach
Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied with Natural Fertilizers Benguet State
Universty, La Trinidad Benguet.
Adviser: Silvestre L. Kudan, PhD.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted at the Balili Experimental Area, Benguet State University, La
Trinidad, Benguet from October 2010 to Febuary 2011. This study was conducted to specifically
evaluate the growth and yield of red and green stemmed Malabar spinach ‘Pulaan’ and ‘Luntian’
applied with different natural fertilizers, determine the best natural fertilizers for Malabar
spinach, determine the profitability of Malabar spinach using the different natural fertilizers,
determine the interaction effect between the Malabar spinach cultivars and natural.
Malabar spinach ‘Pulaan’ produced slightly more shoots than the ‘Luntian’ with
characteristically bigger and heavier shoots consequently producing significantly heavier yield of
4.32 kg from two plants in four months harvesting compared to the 2.68 kg from the ‘Luntian’.
All the data gathered to measure the growth and yield of Malabar spinach show that the
application of chicken manure + 14-14-14 (farmer’s practice), had slightly higher values
compared to the liquid bio-fertilizer, concentrated mineral drops, vermin compost,
plantmate and the no fertilizer application (Control). However, when the profitability was
computed, the use of liquid bio-fertilizer had the highest return on expenses of Ph2.81 for
every peso spent followed by the use of concentrated mineral drops
(Ph2.75), no fertilizer application (Contro) (Ph2.71), chicken manure + 14-14-14 (Ph2.66),
plantmate (Ph2.57), and vermin compost (Ph2.52), due to the differences in the prices of the
fertilizers.
There were no significant interactions between the cultivars and fertilizers in all the data
gathered.
Based on the results of the study, ‘Pulaan’ Malabar spinach should be planted to obtain
higher yield and the application of liquid bio-fertilizer to get higher profit.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography…………………………………………………………………... i
Abstract………………………………………………………………………... i
Table of Contents……………………………………………………….……... iii
INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………….. 1
REVIEW OF LITERATURE…………………………………………………
3
MATERIALS AND METHODS……………………………………………..
8
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION……………………………………………… 11
Number of Shoots Produced per Plant …..……………………………. 11
Diameter of Vines (cm)……...………………………………………… 11
Weight of Individual Shoot (g)………………………………………... 13
Total Yield (kg)………………………………………………………... 15
Profitability……………………………………………………………. 15
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary………………………………………………………………. 18
Conclusion…………………………………………………………….. 18
Recommendation……………………………………………………… 19
LITERATURE CITED………………………………………………………... 20
APPENDICES………………………………………………………………… 21
INTRODUCTION
There are many vegetables that can be grown in the province of Benguet but
farmers only plant cabbage, chayote, potato, carrots in large volume and in little volume
of minor crops like peas, herbs and none of malabar spinach which can be grown in La
Trinidad. The practice of growing different crops is important not only pests control,
nutrient deficiency prevention, but also ensures higher income by the farmers, variety of
food choices by the consumers and more plants to protect the soil surface to prevent
erosion.
In fertilizer application, for so long a time farmers have been depending so much
on synthetic fertilizer materials. The applications of these materials are not even based on
soil analysis so that only the kind and the amount needed is applied. Most often than not,
the amount being applied is far more than what is required. This practice resulted to
extremely acidic soil, very low organic matter content and other unfavourable condition
for crop growth. There is a need to improve the sick soil condition through application of
natural fertilizer materials.
Aside from the strong typhoons affecting vegetables, Benguet climatic condition
favors the production of most vegetable crops with premium quality. Malabar spinach or
“alugbati” is observed to be growing well under La Trinidad condition twining on fences
and other plants but neglected. The plant was accidentally analysed to contain
glucosinolates, a compound to prevent cancer.
Similarly, the results from the different natural fertilizer materials will be of help
in promoting alternatives to the odorous, dry undecomposed chicken dung which is the
only organic fertilizer material being used by Benguet farmers. Moreover, the build up of
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
2
soil fertilizer with the use of natural fertilizer materials is the only way to make crop
production sustainable to cope up with the increasing population. To comply with the
Philippine National Standards in crop production, results of this study may be of help in
improving the agriculture sector.
The study was conducted to specifically:
1. Evaluate the growth and yield of red and green stemmed Malabar spinach
applied with the different natural fertilizers;
2. Determine the best natural fertilizer materials for Malabar spinach production;
3. Determine the profitability of Malabar spinach production applied with the
different natural fertilizers;
4. Determine the interaction effect between the Malabar spinach cultivars and
natural fertilizes used in the study.
The study was conducted at Balili Experiment area of Benguet State University,
La Trinidad, Benguet from October 2010 to Febuary 2011.
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Description of Malabar Spinach
Malabar Spinach belongs to Basellaceae family (Rubatzky and Yamaguchi, 1997).
It is a perennial vine found in the tropics where it is widely used as a leaf vegetable. It is
fast-growing, soft stemmed vine, reaching 10m in length. Its thick, semi-succulent, heart-
shape 5 to 10 cm leaves have a mild flavor and mucilaginous texture. The stem of the
cultivar Basella alba is green and Basella rubra is reddish-purple (Grubben and Denton,
2004). Malabar Spinach is one of the most popular indigenous leafy vegetables in the
Philippines. Originally from India, it is usually found in settled areas, in hedges, old
cultivated areas, etc., throughout the Philippines. It is extensively grown in market
gardens and home gardens and is being sold even in supermarkets in Visayas and
Mindanao. It is also cultivated in tropical Asia, Africa, and Malaya (Bureau of
Agricultural Statistics [BAS], 2006). Malabar spinach is in the Basellaceae family, not
the spinach family. The taste is similar to spinach, however this crop is a very warm-
season crop unlike standard spinach grown in the Northeastern US. This crop is native to
tropical Asia, probably originating from India or Indonesia and is extremely heat
tolerance (Rubatzky and Yamaguchi, 1997).
Nutritional Importance
Malabar Spinach has a pleasant, mild spinach flavor that some may find earthy. It
is slimy when overcooked, which makes it an excellent thickening agent in soups and
stews. Common market product, a popular leafy and stew vegetable, a good substitute for
spinach.
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
4
The green and purple cultivated varieties are preferable to the wild ones. Both the
young shoots and stems are eaten. The purplish dye from the ripe fruit is used as food
color and as rouge for the face. The cooked roots are used to treat diarrhea, while cooked
leaves and stems are used as laxative. The flowers are used as antidote for poison. A
paste of the root is used as a rubefacient or applied to swellings. A paste of the leaves is
applied externally to treat boils. Per 100 grams (g) edible portion, alugbati leaves
contains 16 kcal energy, 1.4 g protein, 0.4 g fat, 2.6 g carbohydrates, 135 mg calcium, 12
mg phosphorus, 6.2 mg iron, 6,390 (U.I) vitamin A, 0.04 mg thiamine, 0.12 mg
riboflavin, 0.6mg niacin, 85mg ascorbic acid (Mitra, 1985).
Medicinal Importance
Malabar spinach is recommended as an antidote, aperients, astringent, demulcent,
diuretic, febrifuge and laxative. Astringent – the cooked roots are used in the treatment of
diarrhea. Laxative – the cooked leaves and stems are used. The plant is febrifuge, its juice
is a safe aperient for pregnant women and a decoction has been used to alleviate labor
(Demis, 2009). Excellent source of calcium and iron; good source of vitamins A, B, and
C, with a high roughage value. Roots are employed as rubefacient. Poultice of leaves
used to reduce local swelling. Sap is applied to acne eruptions to reduce inflammation.
Decoction of leaves used for its mild laxative effects. Pulped leaves applied to boils and
ulcers to hasten suppuration. Sugared juice of leaves useful for catarrhal afflictions. Leaf-
juice, mixed with butter, is soothing and cooling when applied to burns and scalds
(Oomen and Grubben, 1978).
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
5
Climate and Soil Requirement
Malabar spinach grows well under full sunlight in hot, humid climates and in
areas lower than 500 m above sea level. Growth is slow in low temperatures resulting in
low yields. Flowering is induced during the short-day months of November to February.
Malabar spinach grows best in sandy loam soils rich in organic matter with pH ranging
from 5.5 to 8.0 (Grubben and Denton, 2004).
Production
Malabar spinach is a warm season crop and should be direct seeded when all
danger of frost has passed and night temperatures are above 60 degrees F. Plant seeds 1
inch deep, 1 inch apart in rows in 2.5 feet apart thin germinated seedlings to 1 foot.
Malabar spinach can also be started as transplants eight weeks before the last frost.
Malabar spinach is fast growing and tolerates high rainfall. This is a fast growing
vine plant and produces best when trellised. Stem tips (6-8 inches) are harvested 55-70
days after seeding. Repeated harvests of new growth stems can be made throughout the
season (Rubatzky and Yamaguchi, 1997).
Propagation
Alugbati is usually planted in home gardens using cuttings. Use mature stem
cuttings 20-25 cm long with at least 3 internodes. Soak the cuttings in water overnight or
store in a damp, shady area for 1-2 days. Plant 2-4 cuttings at 15-20 cm between hills and
20-30 cm between rows. Water before and after planting and if the soil is dry and mulch
with grass clippings or rice straw. For market gardens, sow seeds in rows or broadcast on
well-prepared seedbeds. Transplant seedlings at 20 cm x 20 cm distance between plants
at 3 weeks after sowing and water regularly to ensure high survival rate.
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
6
Varieties
There are three common types of Malabar spinach: Basella alba with green stem
and oval to almost round leaves; Basella rubra with red stems and green, oval to round
leaves; and a third type, which is a hybrid of the two. The Institute of Plant Breeding of
the University of the Philippines Los Banos (IPB-UPLB) has released two stopgap
varieties in 1981 through its Germplasm Registration and Release Office: the red-
stemmed ‘Pulahan’ and the green-stemmed ‘Luntian.’
Glucosinolates
Substances occurring widely in plants of the genus Brassica (e.g. broccoli,
Brussels sprouts, cabbage); broken down by the enzyme myrosinase to yield, among
other products, the mustard oils which are responsible for the pungent flavor (especially
in mustard and horseradish). Some glucosinolates interfere with the metabolism of iodine
by the thyroid gland, and hence are goitrogens. There is evidence that the various
glucosinolates in vegetables may have useful anti‐cancer activity, since they increase the
rate at which a variety of potentially toxic and carcinogenic compounds are conjugated
and excreted (David, 2005).
Liquid Bio-Fertilizers
These liquid Bio-Fertilizers have the shelf life of two years. The application of
these liquid formulations in the field is very simple and easy. They are applied using hand
sprayers, power sprayers, fertigation tanks and as basal manure mixed along with FYM
etc. Liquid Bio-Fertilizer contains special cell protectants or substances that encourage
formation of resting spores or cysts. It also contains special nutrients that ensure longer
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
7
shelf life, better survival on seeds and soil and tolerance to adverse conditions. The
organisms employed in the Liquid Bio-Fertilizer are stabilized during production,
distribution and storage, the activity is enhanced after the contact and interaction with the
target crops.
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials
The materials used in the study were Malabar spinach cuttings of the two cultivar,
garden tools, and the fertilizer materials specified in the treatments, weighing scale, tape
measure, identifying tags.
Experiment Design and Treatments
The experiment was laid out following the split-plot design, wherein Factor A
was the cultivars and Factor B was the fertilizers which were represented as follows:
Factor A-Cultivar
Description
C1
red-stemmed Malabar spinach ‘Pulaan’
C2
green-stemmed Malabar spinach ‘Luntian’
Factor B- Fertilizer
Nutrient Analysis
F1 No fertilizer application (check)
F2 Vermi compost (500g per plant hill)
N: 1.66%, P2O5: 1.57%,
K2O: 0.14%
F3
Plantmate (120g per plant hill)
N: 2.0%, P: 3.0%, K: 3.0%
F4 Concentrated Mineral Drops (8 ml
C: 249 mg/ml, B: 0.406,
per16 liters of water
mg/ml, K: 14 mg/ml, Su:
26.6 So: 11.6 mg/ml, Li:
0.544 mg/ml, Ca: 0.0947
mg/ml
F5 Liquid Bio-fertilizer (30ml per 16
N: 5%, P205: 7%, K20: 8%,
liters of water
MgO: 0.73%, CaO: 0.68%, S:
2.0%
F6 Farmer’s Practice ( half liter/ hill
14%N, 14% P, 14% K
of chicken dung+250g/ hill
of 14-14-14 (control)
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
9
Land Preparation
An area of 1 m x 100 m was cleaned from weeds, dug and levelled. It was divided
into two equal lengths of 50 m each which was assigned for the red-malabar spinach and
the green- stemmed malabar spinach. The 50 m area was further divided into three for the
blocks and each block was also subdivided into six to represent the treatments. The vermi
compost, plantmate and chicken dung was applied to their assigned area and mixed with
the soil before planting.
Planting the Cuttings
Vine cuttings of red-stemmed and the green-stemmed malabar spinach was
secured from Balili farmers and was planted on the prepared area where each cultivar
occupied 50 m long plot. The distance of planting each vine cutting was 50 cm and each
treatment combinations had two sample plants.
Care and Management
The plants were irrigated from planting the vine cuttings which was done twice a
week up to the termination of the study. Weeding was done as soon as weeds were seen
growing to compete with the plants.
The application of concentrated mineral drops and the liquid bio-fertilizer to their
assigned plants was done every 10 days following the application rates in the treatments.
Harvesting
Shoots were harvested when the plant were established and was done every time
there are shoots to be harvested. The length of shoots harvested was 8 inches in all the
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
10
treatment plants. The shoots were pocked in polyethylene bags at 500 g each and were
marketed to the BSU organic market.
Data Gathered
The data gathered, tabulated, computed and means subjected to separation test
using the Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) were the following:
1. Days from planting the cuttings to first harvesting. This was the number of days
from planting the vine cuttings to the day shoots can be first harvested.
2. Number of shoots produced per plant. This was the numbers of shoots
harvested from the first to the last shoot harvest in four months duration of harvesting.
The total counts of shoots were divided by two sample plants.
3. Diameter of vines (cm). Ten sample shoots per treatment each month were
measured then added and divided by the number of shoots measured during the study to
get the average diameter of vines.
4. Total yield (kg). This was the weight of shoots harvested in four months
harvesting from the first harvest to the termination of the study.
5. Weight per shoots (g). This was obtained dividing the total weight of shoots by
the total number of shoots harvested.
6. Profitability. The inputs for each treatment were recorded and the return on
expenses was computed using the formula:
Return on Expenses = Total Sales per Treatment-Expenses per Treatment
Total Expenses per Treatment
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Number of Shoots Produce per Plant
Effect of cultivars. The shoots harvested from malabar spinach ‘Pulaan’ had higher
counts compared to the malabar spinach ‘Luntian’ as shown in Table 1. Statistical analysis
shows slight difference between the two cultivars in the number the number of shoots
produced per plant. This means that the two cultivars can produce similar number of shoots
per plant in five months.
Effect of natural fertilizer materials. Table 1 shows that the different fertilizer
materials used in the study did not differ in the number of shoots produced per plant.
However, the plants not applied with fertilizer material had the lowest counts of shoots
while the farmer’s practice of applying chicken dung + 14-14-14 had the highest count of
shoots per plant. The insignificant differences in the number of shoots per plant may
suggest that the soil contain sufficient nutrient elements for the plants.
Interaction effect. No significant interaction effect existed between the cultivars and
the natural fertilizer materials on the number of shoots produced per plant.
Diameter of Vines
Effect of cultivar. As presented in Table 2 the vines of malabar spinach ‘Pulaan’ is
significantly wider than the malabar spinach ‘Luntian’. Apparently this difference is a
varietal characteristic as the ‘Pulaan’ has shooter nodes and broader leaves, while the
‘Luntian’ has longer internodes.
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
12
Table 1. Number of shoots produced per plant
TREATMENT
MEAN
Cultivar
‘Pulaan’
563.72a
‘Luntian’
496.28a
Organic Fertilizer
No fertilizer application (check)
397.83a
Vermi compost
527.67a
Plantmate
523.00a
Concentrated mineral drops
569.17a
Liquid bio-fertilizer
530.50a
Chicken dung + 14-14-14 (farmer’s practice)
601.50a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% levels of DMRT.
Effect of natural fertilizer materials. The vines of plants not applied with fertilizer
had the smallest measurement compared to those applied with fertilizer as shown in Table
2. The differences in vine measurements however did not statistically differ. Again, the
level of soil fertility before applying the different fertilizer treatments may be high thus; the
effect of the applied fertilizer did not very significantly.
Interaction effect. No significant interaction effect exists between cultivars and the
natural fertilizer materials on the diameter of vines.
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
13
Table 2. Diameter of vines
TREATMENT
MEAN (cm)
Cultivar
.48a
‘Pulaan’
.41b
‘Luntian’
Organic Fertilizer
No fertilizer application (check)
.38a
Vermi compost
.45a
Plantmate
.45a
Concentrated mineral drops
.46a
Liquid bio-fertilizer
.47a
Chicken dung + 14-14-14 (farmer’s practice)
.45a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% levels of DMRT.
Weight of Individual Shoots
Effect of cultivars. As shown in Table 3, the weight per shoot of malabar spinach
‘Pulaan’ was significantly heavier than the malabar spinach ‘Luntian’. This significantly
heavier shoots of ‘Pulaan’ is due to its characteristically bigger vines compared to the
‘Luntian’. This also explains the significantly heavier yield over the ‘Luntian’ malabar
spinach.
Effect of natural fertilizer materials. The heaviest weight of individual shoots was
weighed from plants applied with vermi compost and farmer’s practice while the lightest
shoots was harvested from plants without fertilizer application, but the differences among
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
14
Table 3. Weight of individual shoot
TREATMENT
MEAN (g)
Cultivar
3.82a
‘Pulaan’
2.65b
‘Luntian’
Organic Fertilizer
No fertilizer application (check)
3.06a
Vermi compost
3.29a
Plantmate
3.24a
Concentrated mineral drops
3.25a
Liquid bio-fertilizer
3.28a
Chicken dung + 14-14-14 (farmer’s practice)
3.29a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% levels of DMRT.
the treatments were very slight ( Table 3 ). This means that the fertilizer materials used had
not improved further the fertility level of the soil.
Interaction effect. No significant differences were noted on the weight per shoots of
malabar spinach which means that not one of the cultivars responded better to the fertilizers
or none from the fertilizer materials used provided nutrient elements better than the soil
shown by the plant not applied fertilizer (control ).
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
15
Total Yield
Effect of cultivar. The computed yield from two cultivars of malabar spinach shows
highly significant difference (Table 4). ‘Pulaan’ malabar spinach significantly out yielded
the ‘Luntian’ by 1.64 kg. from two plant sample in months harvesting. This difference is
mainly influenced by the significantly bigger vines of ‘Pulaan’ which is a varietal
characteristic.
Table 4. Total yield from two sample plants
TREATMENT
MEAN (kg)
Cultivar
4.32a
‘Pulaan’
2.68b
‘Luntian’
Organic Fertilizer
No fertilizer application (check)
2.73a
Vermi compost
3.53a
Plantmate
3.38a
Concentrated mineral drops
3.69a
Liquid bio-fertilizer
3.70a
Chicken dung + 14-14-14 (farmer’s practice)
4.00a
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% levels of DMRT.
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
16
Effect of natural fertilizer materials. The highest yield was produced by plants
applied with chicken dung and 14-14-14 (farmer’s practice) and the lowest yield was
harvested from the plants not applied with fertilizer (control) but the difference among the
fertilizer treatments showed insignificant differences (Table 4). As mentioned earlier, the
experiment area has high organic matter content and nutrients already.
Interaction effect. No significant interaction existed between the cultivar and the
different natural fertilizer materials in terms of the total yield.
Profitability
Table 5 shows computation of sales and expenses from the different treatment of 6
sq m. Plants applied with liquid bio fertilizer obtained the highest net income showing a
return on expenses of 280.61% or 2.81 for every peso spent in the production. This was
followed by the application of concentrated mineral drops, no fertilizer application,
farmer’s practice plantmate and the vermi compost has the lowest return on expenses.
The farmer’s practice produced the highest yield and sales while the plants without
fertilizer application, the lowest but the higher expenses incurred by the farmer’s practice
lowered the profit which was surpassed by the control or no fertilizer application.
Means with the same letter are not significantly different at 5% levels of DMRT.
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
17
Table 5. Economic analysis per treatment from 6 sq m area
T R E A T M E N T
NO
FERTILIZER
VERMI
PLANT-
CMD
LIQUID BIO- FARMER’S
ITEM
APLLICATION
COMPOST
MATE
FERTILIZER PRACTICE
(CONTROL)
YIELD ( KG)
16.38
21.15
20.30
22.12
22.20
24.02
SALES (Ph)
982.80
1,269.00 1,327.20 1,332.00
1,332.00
1,441.20
INPUTS:
76.96
X-tekh
Compost
90.00
72.00
CMD
81.00
Chicken
dung
55.00
14-14-14
72.00
LABOR
COST:
Land
33.00
33.00
33.00
33.00
33.00
33.00
preparation
Planting
16.00
16.00
16.00
16.00
16.00
16.00
Irrigation
58.00
58.00
58.00
58.00
58.00
58.00
Weeding
33.00
33.00
33.00
33.00
33.00
33.00
Harvesting
125.00
130.00
129.00
133.00
133.00
137.00
Expenses
265.00
360.00
341.00
354.00
349.96
404.00
(Php)
Net
717.80
909.00
877.00
973.20
982.04 1,073.20
Income
(Php)
ROE
271.24
252.20
257.18
274.92
280.61
265.64
RANK
3
6
5
2
1
4
*Note: The selling price of Malabar spinach shoots per kilogram was Php 60.00
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study was conducted at Balili Organic Farm of Benguet State University, La
Trinidad, Benguet from October 2010 to February 2011 to evaluate the growth and yield
of ‘Pulaan’ and ‘Luntian’ Malabar spinach applied with different fertilizers, determine
the best natural fertilizer materials for Malabar spinach production, determine the
profitability of Malabar spinach applied with the different natural fertilizers, and
determine the interaction effect between the Malabar spinach cultivars and natural
fertilizer materials.
As to cultivars, result shows that ‘Pulaan’ had characteristically bigger vines of
0.48 cm compared to the ‘Luntian’ vines of 0.41 cm. In terms of weight, ‘Pulaan’ shoot
measuring 8 inches or 20.32 cm has 3.82 g compared to ‘Luntian’ of 2.65. The number
of shoots produced per plant is also more from ‘Pulaan’ than the ‘Luntian’. This cultivar
differences resulted to significantly higher yield from ‘Pulaan’ Malabar spinach.
Among the fertilizers used in the study, there were no significant differences
observed in all the data taken. However, plants not applied with fertilizer consistently
obtained the lowest in all the data gathered. This means that the nutrient contents of the
different fertilizers applied were able to enhance growth and yield of the Malabar spinach
(alugbati) only that the experiment area may contain sufficient nutrient elements or the
amount of fertilizers is not enough to give significant increase in yield.
There were no significant interaction effects between the two cultivars and the
different fertilizers used in the study. This means that not one of the cultivars responded
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
19
better than the other one to the different fertilizer materials applied or the fertilizer
material had not further stimulated the growth and development of the crop.
It was computed that the application of liquid bio-fertilizer obtained the highest
net income with a return on expenses of Ph2.81 for every peso spent in the production
and this was followed by the application of concentrated mineral drops with Ph 2.75 for
every peso spent. The no fertilizer application closely followed with Ph 2.71, then the
farmer’s practice (Ph 2.66), plantmate (Ph 2.57) and vermin compost (Ph 2.52).
Conclusion
Based from the results presented and discussed, ‘Pulaan” Malabar spinach
“alugbati” is more productive and profitable than the ‘Luntian’ and the application of
liquid bio-fertilizer may obtain higher net income over the other fertilizers.
Recommendation
It is therefore recommended that ‘Pulaan’ Malabar spinach should be planted to
obtain higher yield and the application of liquid bio-fertilizer to get higher profit. It is
also recommended that these result be verified in other locations for validation of results.
Growth and Yield of Two Malabar Spinach Cultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied
with Natural Fertilizers. GANADO, SHERWIN T. APRIL 2011
APPENDICES
Appendix Table 1. Number of shoots produced per plant
TREATMENT
B L O C K
TOTAL MEAN
I
II
III
RED-STEMMED
Control
528
553
519 1600 533.33
Vermi compost 295
709
635 1639 546.33
Plantmate
376
751
391 1518 506
CMD
698
562
441 1701 567
Liquid Bio-fertilizer 440
646
634 1720 573.33
Farmer’ Practice 607
767
595 1969 656.33
GREEN-STEMMED
Control
250 197
340 787 262.33
Vermi compost 450
601
476 1527 509
Plantmate
622
366
632 1720 540
CMD
698
558
458 1714 571.33
Liquid Bio-fertilizer 508
546
591 1645 548.33
Farmer’ Practice 413 737 490 1640 546.67
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
DEGREES
SOURCE OF
OF
SUM OF
MEAN OF COMPUTED
PROB
VARIATION FREEDOM SQUARES SQUARES
F
Factor A
1
40938.778 40938.778 2.3103 0.1416ns
Factor B
5
150716.667 30143.333 1.7011 0.1727ns
AB
5
92053.222 18410.644 10390 0.4177ns
Error
24
425279.333 17719.972
TOTAL
35
708988.000
ns = not significant
Coefficient of variation = 25.12%
23
Appendix Table 2. Diameter of vine (cm)
B L O C K
TREATMENT
I
II
III
TOTAL
MEAN
RED-STEMMED
Control
.40
.43 .41 1.24
.41
Vermi compost .48
.48 .48
1.42
.47
Plantmate
.4 .48 .48
1.43
.48
CMD
.48 .49 .48
1.45
.48
Liquid Bio-fertilizer .49
.58 .55
1.62
.54
Farmer’ Practice .49
.49 .47
1.45
.48
GREEN-STEMMED
Control
.30
.37 .39
1.06
.35
Vermi compost .41
.44 .42
1.27
.42
Plantmate
.43
.40 .43 1.26
.42
CMD
.44
.43 .42
1.29
.43
Liquid Bio-fertilizer .42
.42 .45
1.29
.43
Farmer’ Practice .43 .43 .38
1.24
.41
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
DEGREES
SOURCE OF
OF
SUM OF MEAN OF COMPUTED
PROB
VARIATION FREEDOM SQUARES SQUARES
F
Factor A
1
0.032 0.032 55.3092 0.0000**
Factor B
5
0.001 0.000 0.3874 ns
AB
5
0.000 0.000 0.1556 ns
Error
24
0.014 0.001
TOTA
35
0.047
** = highly significant
Coefficient of variation = 5.29%
ns = not significant
24
Appendix Table 3. Weight per shoot (g)
B L O C K
TREATMENT
I
II
III
TOTAL
MEAN
RED-STEMMED
Control
3.71
3.68
3.62
11.01
3.67
Vermi compost 3.68
4.12
3.87
11.67
3.89
Plantmate
3.96
4.01
3.82
11.79
3.93
CMD
3.76
3.70
3.82
11.28
3.76
Liquid Bio-fertilizer 3.78
3.83
3.91
11.52
3.84
Farmer’ Practice 3.86
3.67
3.98
11.51
3.84
GREEN-STEMMED
Control
2.50
2.49
2.38
7.37
2.45
Vermi compost 2.80
2.59
2.67
8.06
2.69
Plantmate
2.61
2.48
2.57
7.66
2.55
CMD
2.64
2.72
2.87
8.23
2.74
Liquid Bio-fertilizer 2.60
2.86
2.71
8.17
2.72
Farmer’ Practice 2.97
2.70
2.59
8.26
2.75
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
DEGREES
SOURCE OF
OF
SUM OF MEAN OF COMPUTED
PROB
VARIATION FREEDOM SQUARES SQUARES
F
Factor A
1
11.178 11.178
653.7835 0.0000**
Factor B
5
0.015 0.003
0.1794 ns
AB
5
0.206 0.041 2.4139 0.0658ns
Error
24
0.410 0.017
TOTAL
35
11.810
** = highly significant
Coefficient of variation = 3.99%
ns = not significant
25
Appendix Table 4. Total yield (kg)
B L O C K
TREATMENT
I
II
III
TOTAL MEAN
RED-STEMMED
Control
3.98 4.06 3.96
11.94
3.98
Vermi compost 2.17 5.85 4.91 12.93
4.31
Plantmate
2.98
6.02 2.98
11.98
3.99
CMD
5.24
4.16 3.37
12.77
4.26
Liquid Bio-fertilizer 3.33
4.94 4.95
13.22
4.41
Farmer’ Practice 4.68
5.62 4.74
15.04
5.01
GREEN-STEMMED
Control
1.94 1.13 1.82
4.44
1.48
Vermi compost 2.52 3.12 2.58
8.22
2.74
Plantmate
3.25
1.82 3.25
8.32
2.77
CMD
3.69 3.03 2.63
9.35
3.12
Liquid Bio-fertilizer 2.64 3.13 3.21
8.98
2.99
Farmer’ Practice 2.45
3.99 2.540
8.98
2.99
ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
DEGREES
SOURCE OF
OF
SUM OF MEAN OF COMPUTED
PROB
VARIATION FREEDOM SQUARES SQUARES
F
Factor A
1
24.321 24.321
27.0045 0.0000**
Factor B
5
5.611 1.122
1.2460 0.3190ns
AB
5
2.050 0.410 0.4552
ns
Error
24
21.615 0.901
______
TOTAL
35
53.598
** = highly significant
Coefficient of variation = 27.08%
ns = not significant
Document Outline
- Growth and Yield of Two Malabar SpinachCultivars (Basella alba and Basella rubra) Applied with Natural Fertilizers
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
- TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- REVIEW OF LITERATURE
- MATERIALS AND METHODS
- REASULTS AND DISCUSSION
- SUMMARY
- APPENDICES