BIBLIOGRAPHY KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013. Growth and Yield of Melon Pear
Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings under Plastic Tunnel Condition.
Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet
Adviser: Alfredo C. Tipayno, Ph.D.
ABSTRACT
The melon pear or pepino dulce meaning “sweet pepino” is the fruit of Solanum
muricatum, a species of a shrub in the flowering plant family Solanaceae. This fruit
resembles a melon fruit in color, and its flavor recalls a succulent mixture of honey dew
and cucumber.
The study is important to future researchers, as it provides appropriate information
in the research regarding melon pear. The results serve as a guide to those who are
interested to venture in melon pear production with hopes to extend it to the community to
promote the production of this commodity as one of the major fruit crops that can be
produced in their area.
The study was conducted at the BSU Organic Farm, Benguet State University, La
Trinidad Benguet, from October 2012 until April 2013 to determine the effect of different
parts of stem cuttings as planting materials on the growth and yield of melon pear, and to
determine the profitability of growing melon pear through stem cuttings under La Trinidad
condition.
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Results of the study revealed that Melon pear propagated through cuttings taken
from the shoot tips of the stem had formed new leaves significantly earlier, and had the
highest average number of leaves per plant. On the other hand, cuttings from the middle
portion on the stem and the base portion had rooted earlier, and cuttings from the base
portion of the stem had the longest roots. More number of roots were formed and longer
shoots were measured from cuttings obtained from the base portion of the stem as well as
those from the middle portion of the stem.
The shoot tip cuttings were the earliest to form flower buds, the earliest to set fruit,
to ripen and harvested this is two months from transplanting. Plants obtained from cuttings
from the middle portion of the stem took three months to have ripened fruits. Cuttings
obtained from the base portion of the stem took three to four months to have ripened fruits.
The morphological characteristics of the fruits were not significantly different among
treatments. Likewise, the average numbers of harvested fruits per plot were not
significantly different among the treatments.
As to the profitability, the use of shoot tip cuttings as planting materials resulted in
a positive return on investment of 11.74 % or 11 centavos for every peso invested in
production. Using cuttings obtained from the middle portion and from the base portion of
the stem as planting materials both resulted in negative return on investment of -12.28 %
and - 4.90% ; respectively.
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Days From Planting to Root Formation
Table 1 shows the number of days from planting of different kinds of stem cuttings
of melon pear to root formation. Cuttings taken from the base portion of the stem were the
earliest to form roots with a mean of 5.50 days. This shows a significant difference between
the shoot tip cuttings that had a mean of 6.90 days, and the middle portion cuttings that had
a mean of 6.40 days.
Melon pear plant was observed to have the ability to form adventitious roots,
especially in the base portion of the plant. It was also observed that lateral stems near the
ground have the ability to form root initials. In some plants adventitious root initials are
formed even during the early stage of stem development. Few of which were already
present at the time the cuttings were made. These are termed preformed, or latent, root
initials and generally lie dormant until the stems are made into cuttings and placed under
environmental conditions favorable for the emergence of the primordial as adventitious
roots (Hartmann and Kester, 1975).
Table 1. Days from planting to root formation
TREATMENT
MEAN
(Days)
Shoot tip cuttings
6.90a
Middle portion cuttings
6.40a
Base portion cuttings
5.50b
CV (%)
5.83
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Figure 3.Root formation of cuttings taken from different portion of the stem
Root Length (cm) 60 Days from Planting
Results in Table 2, shows that there were significant differences among the
treatments with respect to root elongation. The base portion cuttings having the longest
roots developed with a mean of 30.93 cm followed by the middle portion cuttings that has
a mean of 28.04 cm, and the shoot tip cuttings having the shortest with a mean of 23.51
cm; 60 days from sticking of the cutting in the plots .
The earlier formation of roots is apparent on the base stem cuttings. The early
formation of roots on the base portion cuttingsconsequently resulted to a more elongated
roots as compared to the other treatments (cuttings).
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Table 2. Root length (cm) 60 days from planting
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
23.51c
Middle portion cuttings
28.04b
Base portion cuttings
30.93a
CV (%)
6.31
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Number of Roots Per Cutting
There were significant differences in the average number of roots per cutting among
the different kinds of stem cuttings as shown in Table 3. The middle portion and base
portion cuttings had higher root number with 9.95 and 10.65 respectively, although it was
not statistically significant. However, these were significantly different from that of the
shoot tip cuttings that had a lower mean of 6.90 roots only.
The results show that mature stems have faster root formation and there are more
root initials that were present on the stem where roots were formed.
Table 3. Number of roots per cutting
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
6.90b
Middle portion cuttings
9.95a
Base portion cuttings
10.65a
CV (%)
7.50
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Percentage Survival
The melon pear propagated through cuttings taken from different portions of the
stem, namely shoot tip cuttings, middle portion cuttings, and base portion cuttings have
survived and reached maturity, giving 100 % percentage survival rate.
Days from Planting to First Appearance of Leaves
Melon pear propagated through shoot tip cuttings were the earliest to have
appearance of new leaves with a mean of 24.50 days compared to that of the middle portion
cuttings with a mean of 24.80 days and base portion cuttings having a mean of 25.00 days
from planting.
The results seen in Table 4 show no significant differences as far as the duration
from planting to the first appearance of leaves. The findings show that the portion in the
stem on which the cuttings were taken did not affect the initiation of leaf buds, where leaves
were formed.
Number of Leaves Per Plant
Table 5 shows the effect of the kind of stem cuttings on the number of leaves that
Table 4. Days from planting to first appearance of leaves
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
24.50a
Middle portion cuttings
24.80a
Base portion cuttings
25.00a
CV (%)
2.58
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Table 5. Number of leaves per plant
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
31.35a
Middle portion cuttings
26.75b
Base portion cuttings
26.20b
CV (%)
6.00
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
developed per plant. Significant differences were obtained between the shoot tip cuttings
that has a mean of 31.35 leaves; to that of the middle portion and base portion cutting.
However, there were no significant differences between the middle portion and base
portion cutting which has a mean of 26.75 and 26.20 leaves; respectively; two months from
planting.
Shoot Length (cm) 60 days From Planting
Table 6 shows the effect of the kind of stem cuttings on the length of the shoots of
melon pear 60 days after planting. The shoot length of the middle portion cuttings with a
mean of 37.67 cm has no significant differences with those of the base portion cuttings
with a mean of 37.94 cm. However, significant differences were noted between the middle
portion and base portion cuttings to that of the shoot tip cuttings which had a mean of 35.12
cm.
This is in contrast to what is common when planting stem cuttings, where it is
expected that the shoot tip cuttings normally has the longest shoot as compared to any
portion of the same stem.
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Table 6. Shoot Length (cm) 60 days from planting
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
35.12b
Middle portion cuttings
37.67a
Base portion cuttings
37.94a
CV (%)
1.18
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Days from Planting to Flower Bud Formation
The number of days from planting to first flower emergence is shown in Table 7.
There were significant differences among the treatments with the shoot tip cuttings having
the least number of days to flowering with flower buds noted after a mean of 33.25 days
from planting. This was followed by the middle portion cuttings with a mean of 35.85 days,
and the base portion cuttings which had the longest period to form flowers buds with a
mean of 46.73 days. Results show that reproductive organs develop faster in shoot tip
cuttings.
Table 7. Days from planting to flower bud formation
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
33.25c
Middle portion cuttings
35.85b
Base portion cuttings
46.73a
CV (%)
1.52
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
The results show that flower buds were already present in the shoot tip cuttings and
upon recovery, prior to planting, the flowers emerged. Whereas, the middle portion and
base portion cuttings needs a longer period of time to develop new shoots where flower
buds will develop.
Figure 4. Melon pear plants with the first flowers
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Figure 5. Close-up photograph of melon pear flower taken at first flowering
Number of Flowers Per Plant
Table 8 shows the effect of the kind of stem cuttings on the number of flowers that
developed.
Table 8. Number of flowers per plant
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
29.85a
Middle portion cuttings
32.85a
Base portion cuttings
31.50a
CV (%)
5.29
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
The middle portion cuttings had the highest number of flowers that developed with
a mean of 32.85 flowers per plant followed by the base portion cuttings with a mean of
31.50 flowers per plant, while the shoot tip cuttings had the lowest number of flowers that
developed with a mean of 29.85 flowers per plant. Statistical analysis, however did not
show significant differences among the different treatments.
Days From Flowering to First Fruit Development
Results show that the shoot tip cuttings had the fastest fruit development with a
mean of 31.80 days from flowering, followed by the middle portion cuttings with a mean
of 36.43 days, and the base portion cuttings having the longest period to first fruit
development with a mean of 40.13 days. These results show significant differences among
the treatments as seen in Table 9.
The shoot tip cuttings had earlier fruit development apparent due to its earlier
flower formation. Whereas, the middle portion and base portion stem cuttings needed
longer time for the newly developed flowers to set fruits and to have fruit development.
Table 9. Days from flowering to first fruit development
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
31.80c
Middle portion cuttings
36.43b
Base portion cuttings
40.13a
CV (%)
1.25
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Number of Fruits Per Plant
Table 10 shows the effect of the portion of stem cuttings to the number of fruits
that developed per plant. With a mean of 5.96 fruits per plant, the shoot tip cuttings have
the highest number of fruits developed followed by middle portion and the base portion
stem cuttings with a mean of 5.74 and 5.01 respectively.
Results show significant differences among the treatments, although numerically,
these differences are minimal.
The differences in the number of fruits developed may have been attributed to the
pre-established reproductive organs (flower buds) in the shoot tip cuttings. The melon pear
propagated through the shoot tip cuttings developed more well established reproductive
organs. While the middle portion cuttings and base portion cuttings were observed to have
more flowers that did not develop well and fell off. Thus, more fruits were successfully
developed from plants propagated through shoot tip cuttings. However, the differences in
the number of fruits were minimal because the middle portion and base portion cuttings
had developed more laterals where more flowers had developed.
Table 10. Number of fruits per plant
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
5.96a
Middle portion cuttings
5.74ab
Base portion cuttings
5.01b
CV (%)
7.66
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Percentage Fruit Set(%)
The results in percentage fruit set show significant differences between the shoot
tip cuttings ( with a mean of 19.98% )compared to that of the middle portion stem cuttings
with a mean of 17.44% and the base portion stem cuttings with a mean of 15.97%.
Statistical analysis however, shows that the middle portion stem cuttings and base portion
stem cuttings has no significant difference. Table 11 shows the percentage fruit set among
the different stem cuttings.
The differences in the percentage fruit set may have been attributed to the
differences in the number of fruits that emerged and the number of fruits that developed
among the treatments.Plants propagated through shoot tip cuttings had the least number of
flowers that emerged, however it had the most number of fruits that developed. Thus, it
had a higher percentage fruit set compared to the other treatments. The middle portion
cuttings and base portion cuttings had a higher number of flowers that emerged, however;
there were lesser number of fruits that developed. Thus, these two kinds of cuttings posted
a lower percentage of fruit set.
Table 11. Percentage fruit set (%)
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
19.98a
Middle portion cuttings
17.44b
Base portion cuttings
15.97b
CV (%)
6.55
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
a) Melon pear fruits that developed from shoot tip cuttings before and upon ripening
b) Fruits that developed from the middle portion cuttings before (near) and upon ripening
c) Fruits that developed from the base portion cuttings before and upon ripening
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Figure 6. Fruits that developed from cuttings taken from different parts of the stem
Days from Fruit Set to Maturity and Harvest
Table 12 shows the effect of the portion of stem where cuttings were obtained on
the number of days from fruit set to maturity and harvest. Plants propagated through shoot
tip cuttings are the earliest to mature, with a mean of 52.80, followed by the middle portion
cutting with a mean of 63.43 days. The fruits from the base portion cuttings had the longest
number of days with a mean of 71.15 days.
The results show significant differences among the three kinds of cuttings. As
expected, shoot tip cuttings that had developed flowers earlier had earlier fruit development
and maturity. Moreover, the middle portion and base portion cuttings took longer duration
to form flower bud thus, had also took a longer period for the fruit to develop and mature.
Total Number of Harvested Fruits
Table 13 shows the effect of the kind of stem cuttings on the number of harvested
fruits. Numerically, the shoot tip cuttings had the highest number of harvested fruits with
a mean of 4.88 fruits per plot, followed by the plants grown from middle portion
Table 12. Days from fruit set to maturity and harvest
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
52.80c
Middle portion cuttings
63.43b
Base portion cuttings
71.15a
CV (%)
0.74
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
a) Harvested fruits from melon
pear plants propagated through
shoot tip cuttings
Treatment 1
b) Harvested fruits from melon
pear plants propagated through
the middle portion cuttings.
Treatment 2
c) Harvested fruits from melon
pear plants propagated through
base portion cuttings
Treatment 3
Figure 7. Harvested fruitsmeasured, weighed and extracted
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Table 13. Total number of harvested fruits
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
4.88a
Middle portion cuttings
4.85a
Base portion cuttings
4.70a
CV (%)
4.23
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
cuttings with a mean of 4.85 fruits, while the base portion cuttings, had the lowest mean
of 4.70 fruits.Statistical analysis however, did not show significant differences among the
treatments with respect to number of fruits that were harvested.
Length of Fruits (cm)
Table 14 shows the effect of the kind of stem cuttings on fruit length. Plants
propagated through the base portion cuttings had the longest fruits with a mean of 9.11cm.,
followed by the shoot tip cuttings with a mean of 9.01 cm., and the middle portion cuttings
developed the shortest fruits with a mean of 8.34 cm.
Table 14. Length of fruits (cm)
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
9.01a
Middle portion cuttings
8.34a
Base portion cuttings
9.11a
CV (%)
7.79
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Numerically, slight differences in the length of fruits were observed. However,
statistical analysis shows no significant difference among the treatments.
Width of Fruits (cm)
Table15 shows the effect of the kind of stem cuttings on the width of the melon
pear fruits. Plants propagated through themiddle portion cuttings developed wider fruits
with a mean of 7.00 cm., followed by the base portion cutting with a mean of 6.87 cm.,
andthe shoot tip cuttings had the smallest fruits with a mean of 6.63 cm.
Statistical analysis however, did not show significant differences among the
treatments with respect to the width of the fruits.
Weight of Fruits Harvested (g)
Table 16 shows the effect of the kind of stem cuttings on the weight of the melon
pear fruits. Statistical analysis did not show significant differences among the treatments.
Numerically, however, propagated plants through shoot tip cuttings have developed
the heaviest fruits with a mean of 214.12 g., followed by the base portion
Table 15. Width of fruits (cm)
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
6.63a
Middle portion cuttings
7.00a
Base portion cuttings
6.87a
CV (%)
9.87
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Table 16. Weight of fruits harvested (g)
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
214.12a
Middle portion cuttings
184.48a
Base portion cuttings
209.16a
CV (%)
20.21
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
cuttings with a mean of 209.16g, and fruits that developed from the middle portion cuttings
werethe lightest with a mean of 184.48 g.
Sugar Content of Fruits (% Brix)
Table 17 shows the effect of the kind of stem cuttings on the sugar content of melon
pear fruits. Statistical analysis did not show significant differences among the treatments
with respect to the sugar content of the fruit.
Numerically, however, plants propagated through the middle portion stem
cuttingsdeveloped fruits with the highest sugar content averaging to 5.33 %, followed by
the base portion stem cuttings with a mean of 5.22 %, and the shoot tip cuttings had the
lowest mean of 5.21 %.
The low percentage in the sugar content of the fruit may bedue to its high amount
of water content. Thus, in regions where it is propagated, it is often used as fresh snack, or
refreshments for its delicate and mild flavor ( Popenoe, 1989).
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
T1R1
T1R2
T1R3
TIR4
a) Juice extracts from harvested fruit of melon pear propagated through shoot tip cuttings
T2R1
T2R2
T2R3
T2R4
T3R1
T3R2
T3R4
b) Juice extracts of harvested fruits c) Juice extracts of harvested fruits
(Middle portion)
(Base portion)
Figure 8.Extracts of melon pear fruits used for sugar content and total soluble solids
analysis
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Table 17. Sugar content of fruits (% Brix)
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
5.21a
Middle portion cuttings
5.33a
Base portion cuttings
5.22a
CV (%)
2.74
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Total Soluble Solids of Fruits
Table 18 shows the effect of the portion of stem cuttings on the total soluble solids
of melon pear fruits. Statistical analysis did not show significant difference among the
treatments with respect to the total soluble solids of the fruit.
Numerically however, fruits developed from the shoot tip cuttings had the highest
total soluble solidswith a mean of 4.62, followed by the middle portion stem cuttings with
a mean of 4.42, while the base portion stem cuttings developed fruits with the lowest
Table 18. Total soluble solids of fruits
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
4.62a
Middle portion cuttings
4.42a
Base portion cuttings
4.24a
CV (%)
15.75
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
mean of 4.24. The low amount of total soluble solids in the melon pear may be due to its
high amount of water content of the fruit which could also be attributed to the inherent
characteristic of the plant.
Cost and Return Analysis
The cost and return analysis on Table 19 shows that the melon pear propagated
through shoot tip cuttings have a net profit of 38.617 Php, while the other two types of
cuttings have a negative net profit, with the base portion stem cuttings with -87.09 Php,
and the middle portion giving the lesser net profit of -139.53 Php.
Results show that the plants propagated through shoot tip cutting has the only
positive return on investment (ROI) of 11.74 %, while the other cuttings gave a negative
value on the ROI with the base portion cuttings with -4.90% while the middle portion
cutting with a mean of -12.28 %.
These observations show that melon pear plants propagated through stem cuttings
posts the highest return on investment with a positive result. While the middle portion and
base portion cuttings results to negative ROI.
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Table 19.Cost and return analysis
CULTIVARS
Shoot tip
Middle
Base
PARTICULAR
cuttings
portion cuttings portion cuttings
Yield (kg)
10.554
8.285
8.983
Gross Sales (Php)
844.32
666.20
718.64
Expenses
Polytunnel plastic
43.33
43.33
43.33
Bamboo strips
150.00
150.00
150.00
Tractor
50.00
50.00
50.00
Irrigation
78.00
78.00
78.00
Labor cost
Plot preparation
83.33
83.33
83.33
Compost application
5.21
5.21
5.21
Irrigation
104.17
104.17
104.17
Hilling up
20.83
20.83
20.83
Plastic tunnel
125
125
125
preparation and set up
Weeding
52.083
52.083
52.083
Planting material
10.42
10.42
10.42
preparation
Harvesting
83.33
83.33
83.33
Total expenses (Php)
805.703
805.703
805.703
Net profit
38.617
-139.53
-87.09
ROI (%)
11.74
-12.28
-4.90
Note: Selling price per kilo of Melon pear was 80.00 Php at BSU Organic Market
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study was conducted at the BSU Organic Farm, Benguet State University, La
Trinidad Benguet, from October 2012 until April 2013 to determine the effect of
propagating melon pear through different parts of stem cuttings on the growth and yield of
melon pear, determine the part of the stem that has the highest rate of growth and yield,
and to determine the profitability of growing melon pear through stem cuttings under La
Trinidad condition.
Results of the study revealed that Melon pear propagated through cuttings taken
from the shoot tips of the stem had earlier formation of new leaves with a mean of 25.5
days, had the highest average number of leaves developed per plant with 31.35. On the
other hand, the middle portion and base portion cuttings have earlier root development;
with a mean of 5.5 days from planting developed the longest roots with a mean of 30.93
cm. With more number of roots formed and longer shoots were also observed in the base
portion and middle portion cuttings.
In terms of flowers and fruit development, the shoot tip cuttings were the earliest
to develop flower as well as fruits which ripened and harvested in about two months from
planting. While the middle portion stem cuttings took three months for its fruits to ripen.
The base portion stem cuttings took three to four months for fruits to ripen. The
morphological characteristics of the fruits were not significantly different, in terms of
itslength, width, weight, sugar content and total soluble solids as well as the total number
of fruits harvested.
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
As to profitability, the shoot tip cuttings obtained a positive return on investment
(ROI) of 11.74 % or 0.1174 Php for every peso invested in production, while the middle
portion and base portion cuttings, both posting negative return on investment of-12.28 %
and -4.90%, respectively.
Conclusion
Based on the results of the study, melon pears propagated through shoot tip cuttings
have earlier development of reproductive organs. Thus, fruits matured at a faster rate and
were harvested earlier. Moreover, harvested fruits gave the highest profit and a positive
return on investment. However, earlier root formation and longer roots were obtained from
cuttings taken from the middle and base portions of the stem.
Recommendation
Based on the forgoing results, it is recommended that Melon pear cuttings should
be taken from the shoot tips to obtain earlier fruit development and higher profit. It is
further recommended that the results should be verified by planting melon pear cuttings
under field conditions.
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
LITERATURE CITED
ADRIANCE, G.W. and F.R. BRINSON. 1995. Propagation of Horticultural Plants.New
York .McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc. P. 199.
ANDERSON, G. J. and R. K. JANSEN. 1979. Biosystematic and Molecular Systematic
Studies of Solanum section Basathrum and the Origin and Relationships of the
Pepino (S. muricatum). Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden: in press.
Retrieved on October 2012 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solanum_
muricatum.
BAUTISTA,O. K. 1994. Introduction to Tropical Horticulture.University of thePhilippines
Los Baños, Laguna.P. 134.
BERRIN, K. and LARCO MUSUEM. 1997. The Spirit of Ancient Peru: Treasures fromthe
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http://www.livemint.com/Politics/fW2Pw8ziSw8mFsElM8AEnM/Planting-the-
seeds-of-prosperity.html.
BLANCA, J.M., J. CANIZARES and F. NUES. 2007. AFLP and DNA sequencevariation
in an Andeandomesticate, pepino (Solanum muricatum, Solanaceae):implications
for evolution and domestication. Am.J. Bot. 94(7). Pp. 1219-1229.
BLAZICH. F. A. and E. EVANS. 1994. Plant Propagation by Stem Cuttings: Instructions
for the Home Gardener. NC STATE UNIVERSITY Horticulture Information
Leaflets.North Carolina. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.P. 1.
BROWN, L.V. 2002. Applied Princilples of Horticultural Science. Oxford.
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CALIFORNIA RARE FRUIT GROWERS, INC. (CRFG). 1996. Pepino Dulce. Retrieved
on October 2012 from http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/pepino.html.
EDMUND, J.B., F.S. ANDREW and T.L. SEN. 1978.Fundamentals of Horticulture.New
York. McGraw-Hill Book Co.,Inc. P. 167.
HALFACRE, R.G. and J.A. BARDEN. 1979. Plant Propagation Principles and Pactices.
New Delhi, India. Prentice Hall of India Dvt. Ltd. Pp 305-578.
HARTMAN, A.T. and D.E. KESTER. 1975. Plant Propagation Principles and Practices.
New Delhi, India. Prentice Hall of Indian Private Limited.Pp. 208-211, 214.
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
HEISER, C. B. 1964. Origin and Variability of the Pepino (Solanum muricatum): A
Preliminary Report. Baileya. Pp. 151-158.
HUTCHINSON, W.A. 1980. Text Manual Series, Plant Propagation and
Cultivation.Westpoint, Connecticut. The AVI Publishing Company Inc. P. 28.
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J.E.
1994.Ornamental
Horticulture
Science,
Operations
and
Management.Delmar Publishers Inc. Pp. 49, 53-54.
JANICK, U. 1972. Horticulture Science Second Edition. San Francisco, W.H. Freeman
and Company. Pp. 326-345.
MOORE, R., W. D. CLARK and K.R. STEM. 1995. Dubuque, I.A.A. Times Mirror
Company. P. 824.
MORLEY-BUNKER, M. J. S. 1983. A New Commercial Crop, The Pepino (Solanum
muricatum, Ait.) and Suggestions for Further Development. Annual Report of the
Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture 11. Pp. 8-19.
POPNOE, H. 1989: Lost Crops of the Incas: Little-known Plants of the Andes with Promise
for Worldwide Cultivation. Washington D.C.. National Academies Press. Pp. 296-
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2013
fromhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solanum_muricatum#cite_note-inca-1
WELL, J. 1964. Plant Propagation Practice. New York. The Macmillan Co., Collir
Macmillan. Pp. 70-86.
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013. Growth and Yield of Melon Pear
Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings under Plastic Tunnel Condition.
Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet
Adviser: Alfredo C. Tipayno, Ph.D.
ABSTRACT
The melon pear or pepino dulce meaning “sweet pepino” is the fruit of Solanum
muricatum, a species of a shrub in the flowering plant family Solanaceae. This fruit
resembles a melon fruit in color, and its flavor recalls a succulent mixture of honey dew
and cucumber.
The study is important to future researchers, as it provides appropriate information
in the research regarding melon pear. The results serve as a guide to those who are
interested to venture in melon pear production with hopes to extend it to the community to
promote the production of this commodity as one of the major fruit crops that can be
produced in their area.
The study was conducted at the BSU Organic Farm, Benguet State University, La
Trinidad Benguet, from October 2012 until April 2013 to determine the effect of different
parts of stem cuttings as planting materials on the growth and yield of melon pear, and to
determine the profitability of growing melon pear through stem cuttings under La Trinidad
condition.
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Results of the study revealed that Melon pear propagated through cuttings taken
from the shoot tips of the stem had formed new leaves significantly earlier, and had the
highest average number of leaves per plant. On the other hand, cuttings from the middle
portion on the stem and the base portion had rooted earlier, and cuttings from the base
portion of the stem had the longest roots. More number of roots were formed and longer
shoots were measured from cuttings obtained from the base portion of the stem as well as
those from the middle portion of the stem.
The shoot tip cuttings were the earliest to form flower buds, the earliest to set fruit,
to ripen and harvested this is two months from transplanting. Plants obtained from cuttings
from the middle portion of the stem took three months to have ripened fruits. Cuttings
obtained from the base portion of the stem took three to four months to have ripened fruits.
The morphological characteristics of the fruits were not significantly different among
treatments. Likewise, the average numbers of harvested fruits per plot were not
significantly different among the treatments.
As to the profitability, the use of shoot tip cuttings as planting materials resulted in
a positive return on investment of 11.74 % or 11 centavos for every peso invested in
production. Using cuttings obtained from the middle portion and from the base portion of
the stem as planting materials both resulted in negative return on investment of -12.28 %
and - 4.90% ; respectively.
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Days From Planting to Root Formation
Table 1 shows the number of days from planting of different kinds of stem cuttings
of melon pear to root formation. Cuttings taken from the base portion of the stem were the
earliest to form roots with a mean of 5.50 days. This shows a significant difference between
the shoot tip cuttings that had a mean of 6.90 days, and the middle portion cuttings that had
a mean of 6.40 days.
Melon pear plant was observed to have the ability to form adventitious roots,
especially in the base portion of the plant. It was also observed that lateral stems near the
ground have the ability to form root initials. In some plants adventitious root initials are
formed even during the early stage of stem development. Few of which were already
present at the time the cuttings were made. These are termed preformed, or latent, root
initials and generally lie dormant until the stems are made into cuttings and placed under
environmental conditions favorable for the emergence of the primordial as adventitious
roots (Hartmann and Kester, 1975).
Table 1. Days from planting to root formation
TREATMENT
MEAN
(Days)
Shoot tip cuttings
6.90a
Middle portion cuttings
6.40a
Base portion cuttings
5.50b
CV (%)
5.83
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Figure 3.Root formation of cuttings taken from different portion of the stem
Root Length (cm) 60 Days from Planting
Results in Table 2, shows that there were significant differences among the
treatments with respect to root elongation. The base portion cuttings having the longest
roots developed with a mean of 30.93 cm followed by the middle portion cuttings that has
a mean of 28.04 cm, and the shoot tip cuttings having the shortest with a mean of 23.51
cm; 60 days from sticking of the cutting in the plots .
The earlier formation of roots is apparent on the base stem cuttings. The early
formation of roots on the base portion cuttingsconsequently resulted to a more elongated
roots as compared to the other treatments (cuttings).
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Table 2. Root length (cm) 60 days from planting
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
23.51c
Middle portion cuttings
28.04b
Base portion cuttings
30.93a
CV (%)
6.31
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Number of Roots Per Cutting
There were significant differences in the average number of roots per cutting among
the different kinds of stem cuttings as shown in Table 3. The middle portion and base
portion cuttings had higher root number with 9.95 and 10.65 respectively, although it was
not statistically significant. However, these were significantly different from that of the
shoot tip cuttings that had a lower mean of 6.90 roots only.
The results show that mature stems have faster root formation and there are more
root initials that were present on the stem where roots were formed.
Table 3. Number of roots per cutting
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
6.90b
Middle portion cuttings
9.95a
Base portion cuttings
10.65a
CV (%)
7.50
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Percentage Survival
The melon pear propagated through cuttings taken from different portions of the
stem, namely shoot tip cuttings, middle portion cuttings, and base portion cuttings have
survived and reached maturity, giving 100 % percentage survival rate.
Days from Planting to First Appearance of Leaves
Melon pear propagated through shoot tip cuttings were the earliest to have
appearance of new leaves with a mean of 24.50 days compared to that of the middle portion
cuttings with a mean of 24.80 days and base portion cuttings having a mean of 25.00 days
from planting.
The results seen in Table 4 show no significant differences as far as the duration
from planting to the first appearance of leaves. The findings show that the portion in the
stem on which the cuttings were taken did not affect the initiation of leaf buds, where leaves
were formed.
Number of Leaves Per Plant
Table 5 shows the effect of the kind of stem cuttings on the number of leaves that
Table 4. Days from planting to first appearance of leaves
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
24.50a
Middle portion cuttings
24.80a
Base portion cuttings
25.00a
CV (%)
2.58
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Table 5. Number of leaves per plant
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
31.35a
Middle portion cuttings
26.75b
Base portion cuttings
26.20b
CV (%)
6.00
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
developed per plant. Significant differences were obtained between the shoot tip cuttings
that has a mean of 31.35 leaves; to that of the middle portion and base portion cutting.
However, there were no significant differences between the middle portion and base
portion cutting which has a mean of 26.75 and 26.20 leaves; respectively; two months from
planting.
Shoot Length (cm) 60 days From Planting
Table 6 shows the effect of the kind of stem cuttings on the length of the shoots of
melon pear 60 days after planting. The shoot length of the middle portion cuttings with a
mean of 37.67 cm has no significant differences with those of the base portion cuttings
with a mean of 37.94 cm. However, significant differences were noted between the middle
portion and base portion cuttings to that of the shoot tip cuttings which had a mean of 35.12
cm.
This is in contrast to what is common when planting stem cuttings, where it is
expected that the shoot tip cuttings normally has the longest shoot as compared to any
portion of the same stem.
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Table 6. Shoot Length (cm) 60 days from planting
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
35.12b
Middle portion cuttings
37.67a
Base portion cuttings
37.94a
CV (%)
1.18
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Days from Planting to Flower Bud Formation
The number of days from planting to first flower emergence is shown in Table 7.
There were significant differences among the treatments with the shoot tip cuttings having
the least number of days to flowering with flower buds noted after a mean of 33.25 days
from planting. This was followed by the middle portion cuttings with a mean of 35.85 days,
and the base portion cuttings which had the longest period to form flowers buds with a
mean of 46.73 days. Results show that reproductive organs develop faster in shoot tip
cuttings.
Table 7. Days from planting to flower bud formation
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
33.25c
Middle portion cuttings
35.85b
Base portion cuttings
46.73a
CV (%)
1.52
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
The results show that flower buds were already present in the shoot tip cuttings and
upon recovery, prior to planting, the flowers emerged. Whereas, the middle portion and
base portion cuttings needs a longer period of time to develop new shoots where flower
buds will develop.
Figure 4. Melon pear plants with the first flowers
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Figure 5. Close-up photograph of melon pear flower taken at first flowering
Number of Flowers Per Plant
Table 8 shows the effect of the kind of stem cuttings on the number of flowers that
developed.
Table 8. Number of flowers per plant
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
29.85a
Middle portion cuttings
32.85a
Base portion cuttings
31.50a
CV (%)
5.29
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
The middle portion cuttings had the highest number of flowers that developed with
a mean of 32.85 flowers per plant followed by the base portion cuttings with a mean of
31.50 flowers per plant, while the shoot tip cuttings had the lowest number of flowers that
developed with a mean of 29.85 flowers per plant. Statistical analysis, however did not
show significant differences among the different treatments.
Days From Flowering to First Fruit Development
Results show that the shoot tip cuttings had the fastest fruit development with a
mean of 31.80 days from flowering, followed by the middle portion cuttings with a mean
of 36.43 days, and the base portion cuttings having the longest period to first fruit
development with a mean of 40.13 days. These results show significant differences among
the treatments as seen in Table 9.
The shoot tip cuttings had earlier fruit development apparent due to its earlier
flower formation. Whereas, the middle portion and base portion stem cuttings needed
longer time for the newly developed flowers to set fruits and to have fruit development.
Table 9. Days from flowering to first fruit development
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
31.80c
Middle portion cuttings
36.43b
Base portion cuttings
40.13a
CV (%)
1.25
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Number of Fruits Per Plant
Table 10 shows the effect of the portion of stem cuttings to the number of fruits
that developed per plant. With a mean of 5.96 fruits per plant, the shoot tip cuttings have
the highest number of fruits developed followed by middle portion and the base portion
stem cuttings with a mean of 5.74 and 5.01 respectively.
Results show significant differences among the treatments, although numerically,
these differences are minimal.
The differences in the number of fruits developed may have been attributed to the
pre-established reproductive organs (flower buds) in the shoot tip cuttings. The melon pear
propagated through the shoot tip cuttings developed more well established reproductive
organs. While the middle portion cuttings and base portion cuttings were observed to have
more flowers that did not develop well and fell off. Thus, more fruits were successfully
developed from plants propagated through shoot tip cuttings. However, the differences in
the number of fruits were minimal because the middle portion and base portion cuttings
had developed more laterals where more flowers had developed.
Table 10. Number of fruits per plant
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
5.96a
Middle portion cuttings
5.74ab
Base portion cuttings
5.01b
CV (%)
7.66
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Percentage Fruit Set(%)
The results in percentage fruit set show significant differences between the shoot
tip cuttings ( with a mean of 19.98% )compared to that of the middle portion stem cuttings
with a mean of 17.44% and the base portion stem cuttings with a mean of 15.97%.
Statistical analysis however, shows that the middle portion stem cuttings and base portion
stem cuttings has no significant difference. Table 11 shows the percentage fruit set among
the different stem cuttings.
The differences in the percentage fruit set may have been attributed to the
differences in the number of fruits that emerged and the number of fruits that developed
among the treatments.Plants propagated through shoot tip cuttings had the least number of
flowers that emerged, however it had the most number of fruits that developed. Thus, it
had a higher percentage fruit set compared to the other treatments. The middle portion
cuttings and base portion cuttings had a higher number of flowers that emerged, however;
there were lesser number of fruits that developed. Thus, these two kinds of cuttings posted
a lower percentage of fruit set.
Table 11. Percentage fruit set (%)
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
19.98a
Middle portion cuttings
17.44b
Base portion cuttings
15.97b
CV (%)
6.55
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
a) Melon pear fruits that developed from shoot tip cuttings before and upon ripening
b) Fruits that developed from the middle portion cuttings before (near) and upon ripening
c) Fruits that developed from the base portion cuttings before and upon ripening
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Figure 6. Fruits that developed from cuttings taken from different parts of the stem
Days from Fruit Set to Maturity and Harvest
Table 12 shows the effect of the portion of stem where cuttings were obtained on
the number of days from fruit set to maturity and harvest. Plants propagated through shoot
tip cuttings are the earliest to mature, with a mean of 52.80, followed by the middle portion
cutting with a mean of 63.43 days. The fruits from the base portion cuttings had the longest
number of days with a mean of 71.15 days.
The results show significant differences among the three kinds of cuttings. As
expected, shoot tip cuttings that had developed flowers earlier had earlier fruit development
and maturity. Moreover, the middle portion and base portion cuttings took longer duration
to form flower bud thus, had also took a longer period for the fruit to develop and mature.
Total Number of Harvested Fruits
Table 13 shows the effect of the kind of stem cuttings on the number of harvested
fruits. Numerically, the shoot tip cuttings had the highest number of harvested fruits with
a mean of 4.88 fruits per plot, followed by the plants grown from middle portion
Table 12. Days from fruit set to maturity and harvest
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
52.80c
Middle portion cuttings
63.43b
Base portion cuttings
71.15a
CV (%)
0.74
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
a) Harvested fruits from melon
pear plants propagated through
shoot tip cuttings
Treatment 1
b) Harvested fruits from melon
pear plants propagated through
the middle portion cuttings.
Treatment 2
c) Harvested fruits from melon
pear plants propagated through
base portion cuttings
Treatment 3
Figure 7. Harvested fruitsmeasured, weighed and extracted
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Table 13. Total number of harvested fruits
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
4.88a
Middle portion cuttings
4.85a
Base portion cuttings
4.70a
CV (%)
4.23
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
cuttings with a mean of 4.85 fruits, while the base portion cuttings, had the lowest mean
of 4.70 fruits.Statistical analysis however, did not show significant differences among the
treatments with respect to number of fruits that were harvested.
Length of Fruits (cm)
Table 14 shows the effect of the kind of stem cuttings on fruit length. Plants
propagated through the base portion cuttings had the longest fruits with a mean of 9.11cm.,
followed by the shoot tip cuttings with a mean of 9.01 cm., and the middle portion cuttings
developed the shortest fruits with a mean of 8.34 cm.
Table 14. Length of fruits (cm)
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
9.01a
Middle portion cuttings
8.34a
Base portion cuttings
9.11a
CV (%)
7.79
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Numerically, slight differences in the length of fruits were observed. However,
statistical analysis shows no significant difference among the treatments.
Width of Fruits (cm)
Table15 shows the effect of the kind of stem cuttings on the width of the melon
pear fruits. Plants propagated through themiddle portion cuttings developed wider fruits
with a mean of 7.00 cm., followed by the base portion cutting with a mean of 6.87 cm.,
andthe shoot tip cuttings had the smallest fruits with a mean of 6.63 cm.
Statistical analysis however, did not show significant differences among the
treatments with respect to the width of the fruits.
Weight of Fruits Harvested (g)
Table 16 shows the effect of the kind of stem cuttings on the weight of the melon
pear fruits. Statistical analysis did not show significant differences among the treatments.
Numerically, however, propagated plants through shoot tip cuttings have developed
the heaviest fruits with a mean of 214.12 g., followed by the base portion
Table 15. Width of fruits (cm)
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
6.63a
Middle portion cuttings
7.00a
Base portion cuttings
6.87a
CV (%)
9.87
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Table 16. Weight of fruits harvested (g)
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
214.12a
Middle portion cuttings
184.48a
Base portion cuttings
209.16a
CV (%)
20.21
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
cuttings with a mean of 209.16g, and fruits that developed from the middle portion cuttings
werethe lightest with a mean of 184.48 g.
Sugar Content of Fruits (% Brix)
Table 17 shows the effect of the kind of stem cuttings on the sugar content of melon
pear fruits. Statistical analysis did not show significant differences among the treatments
with respect to the sugar content of the fruit.
Numerically, however, plants propagated through the middle portion stem
cuttingsdeveloped fruits with the highest sugar content averaging to 5.33 %, followed by
the base portion stem cuttings with a mean of 5.22 %, and the shoot tip cuttings had the
lowest mean of 5.21 %.
The low percentage in the sugar content of the fruit may bedue to its high amount
of water content. Thus, in regions where it is propagated, it is often used as fresh snack, or
refreshments for its delicate and mild flavor ( Popenoe, 1989).
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
T1R1
T1R2
T1R3
TIR4
a) Juice extracts from harvested fruit of melon pear propagated through shoot tip cuttings
T2R1
T2R2
T2R3
T2R4
T3R1
T3R2
T3R4
b) Juice extracts of harvested fruits c) Juice extracts of harvested fruits
(Middle portion)
(Base portion)
Figure 8.Extracts of melon pear fruits used for sugar content and total soluble solids
analysis
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Table 17. Sugar content of fruits (% Brix)
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
5.21a
Middle portion cuttings
5.33a
Base portion cuttings
5.22a
CV (%)
2.74
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Total Soluble Solids of Fruits
Table 18 shows the effect of the portion of stem cuttings on the total soluble solids
of melon pear fruits. Statistical analysis did not show significant difference among the
treatments with respect to the total soluble solids of the fruit.
Numerically however, fruits developed from the shoot tip cuttings had the highest
total soluble solidswith a mean of 4.62, followed by the middle portion stem cuttings with
a mean of 4.42, while the base portion stem cuttings developed fruits with the lowest
Table 18. Total soluble solids of fruits
TREATMENT
MEAN
Shoot tip cuttings
4.62a
Middle portion cuttings
4.42a
Base portion cuttings
4.24a
CV (%)
15.75
Means with a common letter are not significantly different at 5% level DMRT
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
mean of 4.24. The low amount of total soluble solids in the melon pear may be due to its
high amount of water content of the fruit which could also be attributed to the inherent
characteristic of the plant.
Cost and Return Analysis
The cost and return analysis on Table 19 shows that the melon pear propagated
through shoot tip cuttings have a net profit of 38.617 Php, while the other two types of
cuttings have a negative net profit, with the base portion stem cuttings with -87.09 Php,
and the middle portion giving the lesser net profit of -139.53 Php.
Results show that the plants propagated through shoot tip cutting has the only
positive return on investment (ROI) of 11.74 %, while the other cuttings gave a negative
value on the ROI with the base portion cuttings with -4.90% while the middle portion
cutting with a mean of -12.28 %.
These observations show that melon pear plants propagated through stem cuttings
posts the highest return on investment with a positive result. While the middle portion and
base portion cuttings results to negative ROI.
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
Table 19.Cost and return analysis
CULTIVARS
Shoot tip
Middle
Base
PARTICULAR
cuttings
portion cuttings portion cuttings
Yield (kg)
10.554
8.285
8.983
Gross Sales (Php)
844.32
666.20
718.64
Expenses
Polytunnel plastic
43.33
43.33
43.33
Bamboo strips
150.00
150.00
150.00
Tractor
50.00
50.00
50.00
Irrigation
78.00
78.00
78.00
Labor cost
Plot preparation
83.33
83.33
83.33
Compost application
5.21
5.21
5.21
Irrigation
104.17
104.17
104.17
Hilling up
20.83
20.83
20.83
Plastic tunnel
125
125
125
preparation and set up
Weeding
52.083
52.083
52.083
Planting material
10.42
10.42
10.42
preparation
Harvesting
83.33
83.33
83.33
Total expenses (Php)
805.703
805.703
805.703
Net profit
38.617
-139.53
-87.09
ROI (%)
11.74
-12.28
-4.90
Note: Selling price per kilo of Melon pear was 80.00 Php at BSU Organic Market
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Summary
The study was conducted at the BSU Organic Farm, Benguet State University, La
Trinidad Benguet, from October 2012 until April 2013 to determine the effect of
propagating melon pear through different parts of stem cuttings on the growth and yield of
melon pear, determine the part of the stem that has the highest rate of growth and yield,
and to determine the profitability of growing melon pear through stem cuttings under La
Trinidad condition.
Results of the study revealed that Melon pear propagated through cuttings taken
from the shoot tips of the stem had earlier formation of new leaves with a mean of 25.5
days, had the highest average number of leaves developed per plant with 31.35. On the
other hand, the middle portion and base portion cuttings have earlier root development;
with a mean of 5.5 days from planting developed the longest roots with a mean of 30.93
cm. With more number of roots formed and longer shoots were also observed in the base
portion and middle portion cuttings.
In terms of flowers and fruit development, the shoot tip cuttings were the earliest
to develop flower as well as fruits which ripened and harvested in about two months from
planting. While the middle portion stem cuttings took three months for its fruits to ripen.
The base portion stem cuttings took three to four months for fruits to ripen. The
morphological characteristics of the fruits were not significantly different, in terms of
itslength, width, weight, sugar content and total soluble solids as well as the total number
of fruits harvested.
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
As to profitability, the shoot tip cuttings obtained a positive return on investment
(ROI) of 11.74 % or 0.1174 Php for every peso invested in production, while the middle
portion and base portion cuttings, both posting negative return on investment of-12.28 %
and -4.90%, respectively.
Conclusion
Based on the results of the study, melon pears propagated through shoot tip cuttings
have earlier development of reproductive organs. Thus, fruits matured at a faster rate and
were harvested earlier. Moreover, harvested fruits gave the highest profit and a positive
return on investment. However, earlier root formation and longer roots were obtained from
cuttings taken from the middle and base portions of the stem.
Recommendation
Based on the forgoing results, it is recommended that Melon pear cuttings should
be taken from the shoot tips to obtain earlier fruit development and higher profit. It is
further recommended that the results should be verified by planting melon pear cuttings
under field conditions.
Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013
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Growth and Yield of Melon Pear Propagated through Different Parts of Stem Cuttings
under Plastic Tunnel Condition | KUDAN, EFRAIM JR. O. MAY 2013