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YIELD OF BELL PEPPER VARIETIES APPLIED

WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF VERMICAST

JESSA CHUA REPUBLICA

THESIS PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY

AND STAFF OF THE CENTRAL PHILIPPINES STATE UNIVERSITY,
ILOG CAMPUS IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENT FOR THE
DEGREE

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE

(CROP SCIENCE)

2020
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CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Bell pepper, also known as sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) belongs to the

solanaceous family and can be grown throughout the year. It is a good source of vitamin C

and iron and usually served as fresh or cooked with other vegetables, fish and meat. It can

also be processed as pickles. There are several types: green, yellow, orange, violet and

brown. Other names of this crop are ‘sweet pepper’, ‘atsal’, ‘kampana’ or ‘lara’.

Capsicum pepper is the most popular and most widely used condiment all over the

world (Baso and De, 2003). The species is also intentionally spread by humans for use of

its fruits and leaves as a food, spice, ornamental, and medicine. Bell peppers are an

excellent addition to a healthy diet (Arnarson, 2019).

In the Philippines, production of organic bell pepper in the country are the

Cordillera Administrative Region, 45%; Northern Mindanao, 17%; and Ilocos region, 13%.

These regions have cool areas suitable for bell pepper production. In low elevations,

planting is ideally done in October to December. In mid and high elevations, it can be

grown throughout the year (2019).

Vermicast into soil provides the following benefits: Adds organic matter, helps soil

to absorb and retain water, breaks up clay soils, improves soil structure, increases cation

exchange capacity, eases cultivation, helps form soil aggregates, enhances soil fertility,

reduces bulk density, improves soil aeration, increases soil microbial populations, reduces
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soil compaction, diminishes soil erosion, reduces pH, lowers electrical conductivity, helps

prevent soil crusting, provides micro- and macronutrients and increases their availability

(Shannon Ripp, 2018).

Hence, this study aimed to evaluate and promote a promising variety of sweet

pepper and commendable vermicast applied to sweet pepper and for any crops that every

farmer wishes to produce.

Objectives of the Study:

1. To determine which varieties of bell pepper will give the highest yield.

2. To determine which levels of vermicast will significantly effects on the yield of

bell pepper varieties.

3. To ascertain the interaction effect between the different varieties of bell pepper

and the different levels of vermicast.

Importance of the Study

The researcher conducted the study to gain valuable information on the yield of

sweet pepper varieties applied with the different levels of vermicast.

This study provided additional knowledge and ideas to students and future

researchers for conducting similar study. This will help inform the rural families, farmers

and agriculturists on the importance of using vermicast as fertilizer for a wide range of crop

species suited for planting in our locality for improve production and economic value.
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Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The study focus on the yield of sweet pepper varieties applied with different levels

of vermicast. This was conducted at the research area of Central Philippine State

University, Ilog, Campus, Municipality of Ilog, Negros Occidental from the month of

September 2019 to December 2019.

Definition of Terms

Alley. A narrow passage between two plots.

In this study, it refers to the harrowing between two plots.

Basal Application. It is an application of fertilizers before planting.

In this study, it refers to the application of vermicast before planting.

Cultivation. It is the loosening and breaking up (tilling) of the soil to destroy weeds

and promote growth by increasing soil aeration and water infiltration.

In this study, it refers to the cultivating of soil.

DAT. Days after transplanting.

In this study, it refers to the days after transplanting.

Flowering. Any of a major group of vascular plants that produce flowers and

fruits and have the seeds enclosed in an ovary.

In this study, it refers to flowers of plants.

Hardening. Gradually exposing the seedling to direct sunlight with holding water

to enable them to stand with condition of the field.

In this study, it refers to the hardening of seedlings.

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Pricking. Transplanting the seedlings from seed-box of plot to plastic bag or

pricking box that the development of growth will not be disturbed.

In this study, it refers to the pricking of seedlings.

Seedling. A young plant grown from seed.

In this study, it refers to the seeds.

Spacing. To plant and intervals.

In this study, it refers to the spacing of plants.

Soil Sterilization. The process of treating the soil which kill weeds germination

and those numerous soil pathogens such as those that cause damping off.

In this study, if refers to the sterilizing of soil before seeding.

Sweet pepper. Is the fruits of plants from the genus Capsicum.

In this study, it refers to the fruits of plants.

Transplanting. Transferring the seedling in condition from another location.

In this study, it refers to the transplanting of seedlings.

Variety. It refers to type of bell pepper that is distinct, uniform and stable.

In this study, it refers to the different variety of bell pepper.

Vermicast. It refers to the worms consumed most of the food and bedding, and left

behind a mixture of their castings (worm poop) and undigested organic materials.

In this study, it refers to the definition of vermicast.

Yield. The amount or quantity produce or return the gain taken from the plant after

harvesting.

In this study, it refers to the yield of plants harvested.

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CHAPTER II

REVIEW OR RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter includes the findings of previous researchers who have their

knowledge and contribution about Bell Pepper which inform to the researcher the basic of

his experiment.

Some Points on Sweet Pepper

Bell pepper plants are short bushes with woody stems that grow brightly colored

fruits. The alternating leaves are elliptical, smooth edged, and come to a distinct point. The

plant produces white or purple bell-shaped flowers which are 2.5 cm (1 in) in diameter.

Red, yellow, purple, or brown fruit are produced each season about 3-6 weeks after

flowering. Pepper plants can grow 1 m (3.3 ft) tall and are usually grown as annuals in

temperate regions for only one growing season. Bell pepper may be referred to as red

pepper, yellow pepper or green pepper and is believed to have originated in Central and

South America. Peppers need nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, along with some trace

minerals such as magnesium, to put on healthy growth and fruit. (Drost, 2014).

Characteristics of Sweet Pepper Varieties

Emperor F1

“Emperor F1” is a new high yielding conical sweet pepper variety with vigorous,

semi-erect plants, bright apple green conical fruits that turns red when ripe. The fruits have

thick flesh, firm skin with good shipping quality and storability. “Emperor F1” grow best
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in the mid-elevation areas but it is also grows well in the lowlands during the cool seasons

months. This hybrid has good tolerance to bacterial wilt and bacterial spot. In the mid-

elevation, fruits at the breaker stage can be harvested at around 60-65 days from

transplanting and around 55-60 days when grown in the lower elevations.

Kayen Premium

Attractive fruits of the variety are conical with light green color during its maturity

stage. Its thick flesh and protected with plastic. Like over making it adapted to both wet

and dry season planting. It has good shipping quality.

Yolo Wonder

Introduced in 1952 by the Campbell Soup Company, 'Yolo Wonder' is an open-

pollinated improvement on the 'California Wonder' heirloom. Good leaf coverage prevents

sun scald. This variety turns from green to red, adding sweetness along the way. Bigger

and better than California Wonder! This improved strain boasts larger fruit and some

mosaic resistance. 4" bell peppers grow on 24-28" high plants. Days to Maturity is 75 days

from transplanting.

Significance of Different Vermicast

Research studies have shown that vermicast improves soil aeration, porosity, and

water retention. The reason vermicast improves the physical structure of soil has to do with

its enhanced microbial populations and activity, absorbent organic matter, polysaccharides,

and mucus secretions that help cement soil particles together, causing aggregate stability.
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Studies show that amending soil with vermicast causes seeds to germinate more

quickly, enhances rate of seedling growth, increases root numbers and biomass, improves

root stress tolerance, leads to earlier flowering of plants, and increases plant yields.

Vermicast decreases plant transplant shock and increases plant vitality and flavor profile.

Plants grown with vermicast have more leaves and flowers, more total leaf area, greater

plant biomass, and higher leaf chlorophyll content (Shannon Ripp, 2018).

Although many effects of vermicast are independent of nutrient availability,

vermicast also does make two important nutrients more available to plants: nitrate and

calcium. Nitrate is the type of nitrogen most needed for healthy plant growth. Earthworms

have calciferous glands that excrete calcium carbonate into worm castings. Calcium is vital

to plants for building strong cell walls; it also enhances the absorption of nitrogen (Shannon

Ripp, 2018).

Vermicasting, also called vermicomposting, is the processing of organic wastes

through earthworms. It is a natural, odourless, aerobic process, much different from

traditional composting. Earthworms ingest waste then excrete casts – dark, odourless,

nutrient- and organically rich, soil mud granules that make an excellent soil conditioner.

Earthworm casts are a ready-to-use fertilizer that can be used at a higher rate of application

than compost, since nutrients are released at rates that growing plants prefer (Chaoui,

2003).

Vermicast nutrient content varies with earthworm feed type, but feeding waste to

earthworms does cause nitrogen mineralization, followed by phosphorous and sulphur

mineralization after egestion. A typical nutrient analysis of casts is C:N ratio 12–15:1;

1.5%–2.5% N, 1.25%–2.25% P2O5 and 1%–2%, K2O at 75%–80% moisture content. The
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slow-release granules structure of earthworm casts allows nutrients to be released relatively

slowly in sync with plant needs (Ohno, S. 2003).

Vermicast provides a multitude of services; increasing soil water and nutrient

retention, texture, nutrient availability and aiding in disease prevention. Studies show

improvements in crop yield, bunch sizes, fruit set, fruit storage, trunk diameters and more.

These positive affects have been shown to be measurable up to four years following

applications.

Benefits of vermicast: Enriches soil with micro-organisms, improves the plants root

growth and structure, low capital investment and relatively simple technologies make

vermicomposting practical for any agricultural region, saves money from no or minimal

use of inorganic fertilizer, the worms do all the processing, naturally, the resulting

vermicompost, or worm cast is rich in nutrients, vermicast is more valuable to farmers,

landscapers, and home gardeners than raw manure or traditional compos, worm castings

conserves moisture and improves soil conditions, natural worm castings are safe to use on

your lawn and gardens and will not harm your pets or young ones, minimizes wastes and

pollution, will not kill seedlings, especially from burning effect, no foul odor, cannot be

overused ("Vermicast", 2019)

Vermicasts either alone or in combination with peat moss (PM) were able to

initiate earlier rooting and development of roots better than in the layering experiments

conducted only with peat moss. The enhanced root initiation and development in this study

can be partially explained by the elevated levels of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and

potassium) contents in the vermicast (Natchimuthu, 2009).

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Effect of application of vermicast to soil, fruit yield and quality of sweet pepper

(Capsicum annum L.) were investigated in field condition. Three vermicast levels (5, 10

and 15 t/ha) were applied to soil based on randomized complete block design with three

(3) replications (Muhammad, 2016).

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CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the tools and materials that will be used in the study and

activities from land preparation up to gathering of data and analysis.

Materials and Tools

An area of 248 m2 was used in the study. The materials were used in the study are

the following; Vermicast, Emperor F1, Kayen Premium, and Yolo Wonder are the sweet

pepper varieties was used.

The tools was used in the study are the following; sharp bolo for clearing the area,

spade, blunt bolo, meter stick for lay-outing, placards for identification of treatments and

blocks, carabao-drawn plow for plowing, tooth harrow for harrowing, weighing scale (kg)

for weighing of the harvested products, knapsack sprayer for spraying pesticide and

sprinkler for watering the plants.

Land Preparation

The research area was cleared from weeds by using bolo to facilitate easy plowing

and harrowing. It was plowed and harrowed twice at two weeks interval to break soil and

destroy weed vegetation. Leveling was done after plowing prior to field lay-out.
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Experimental Design and Field lay-out

The field was laid-out using Split- plot Design (SPD). It was done divided in three

(3) blocks and each block consisted of nine (9) treatments replicated three (3) times with

the total of twenty seven (27) variates. Each treatment had a dimension of 3m x 2.25m each

block had a dimension of 7.75m x 10m. An alley between blocks had 1m and 0.5m between

treatments. And the main plot is the different levels of vermicast and the sub-plot is the

different varieties of sweet pepper.

Table 1. Treatment Combination

Main Plot Sub-Plot

(Different Levels (Different Varieties of Sweet Pepper)
of Vermicast)
X ( Emperor F1) Y (Kayen Premium) Z (Yolo Wonder)

A(5 tons/ha) AX AY AZ
B(10 tons/ha) BX BY BZ
C(15 tons/ha) CX CY CZ
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A B C
Y X Z

BLOCK I Z Y X

X Z Y

A B 0.5m C
Z X Y 3m

BLOCK II Y X 10m 32m

X

Y Z Z

A B C 1m

X Y Z
0.5m

Y X X
BLOCK III

Z Z Y

2.25m
7.75m

Figure 1. Experimental design and Lay-out of plots (Area=248m2)

Legend:

Main Plot Sub-Plot

(Different Levels of Vermicast) (Different Varieties of Sweet Pepper)
A- 5 tons/ha X- Emperor F1
B- 10 tons/ha Y- Kayen Premium
C- 15 tons/ha Z- Yolo Wonder
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2.25m

X X X X

X O O X
75cm

X O O X

50cm

3m X 2.5m O O X

X O O X

O O
X X

1.5m

X X X X

Figure 2. Harvest Area (3.75m2)

Legend:

X= Border Plants
O= Sample Plants
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Application of Vermicast

The vermicast was applied basally one week before planting. This was done by

placing the vermicast at the hole at the depth of 10cm and it was incorporated to the soil in

each treatment.

Table 2. Amount of different levels of vermicast applied on each treatment.

Vermicast Tons/ha Kg/treatment Grams/hill

W- Vermicast 5 Tons/ha 3.375 Kg/ ta 120.53 g/h

X- Vermicast 10 Tons/ha 6.75 Kg/ta 241.071 g/h

Y- Vermicast 15 Tons/ha 10.125 Kg/ta 361.607 g/h

Seed Box Preparation

The seed boxes was prepared three (3) days before sowing the seeds. It was made of

wood with the dimension of 30cm wide, 35cm long and 12cm deep.

Soil Media Sterilization

Soil media was composed of one part compost, one part garden soil and one part of

sand will be filled in the seed boxes. The soil will be sterilized by pouring boiled water to

kill some soil borne pathogens that might infect the growing seedlings. The soil media was

allowed to cool and level before sowing of sweet pepper seeds.

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Sowing of Seeds

Three varieties of Sweet pepper seeds was sown in the seed boxes according to its

varieties. After sowing of seed in the boxes it was kept in a place with free from heavy rain

and extreme temperature. This was done by covering with fine mesh screen to prevent

entrance of crickets and other insect pests. Watering of seedlings was done when necessary

to maintain the moisture needed.

Pricking and Hardening of Seedlings

Pricking was done at 1 week before sowing by transferring the seedling to each

individual pots. It was done late in the afternoon to prevent seedlings stress. The seedlings

was watered prior to pricking to facilitate ease and minimize destruction of the root system.

Careful pricking using a bamboo stick was done in order to eliminate damage on the

seedlings’ roots and stems since at this stage, the plant is very fragile.

Sweet pepper seedlings was hardened by exposing them gradually to direct heat of

the sun 2 hours early in the morning and late in the afternoon. This was done one (1) week

before transplanting on the final designated site to prevent transplanting shock.

Transplanting

Planting of sweet pepper seedlings was done at two (2) weeks after sowing at the

distance of .75cm between rows and .50cm between hills. This was done late in the

afternoon to minimize wilting and encourage faster recovery.

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Water Management

Bell pepper require abundant water supply throughout each life cycle. Manual

watering early in the morning with the used of sprinkler was done to facilitate from soil

dries up.

Weeding and Cultivation

The area is kept from weeds all the time in order to prevent competition of nutrient

uptake by weeds to sweet pepper and eliminate hosts for insect pests. This was done by

manual weeding by hand pulling with the aid of blunt bolo. This was done two weeks after

transplanting.

Crop Protection

Spraying of pesticides was done one week after transplanting or when there are

occurrence of insects, pests and diseases observe in the experimental area. A botanical

pesticide using kakawate leaves fermented at the rate of one (1) kilograms of leaves in one

liter of water mix with 2 tablespoons of vinegar is sprayed to control pest infestation.

Harvesting

Harvesting of fruits will started 90 days after sowing. Harvestable fruits was harvested

by hand-picking with the aid of sharp knife. Fruits are harvested separately from each

treatment and will be placed in a clean container for data gathering. Harvesting was done

with in the four (4) harvestings with an interval of five (5) days.
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Data to be Gathered

The data to be gathered are the following:

The average plant height. This plant height was determined by measuring the

height of the plant from the base to the highest portion of the plant using a meter stick. This

was done by measuring one (1) day before the first harvesting of fruits.

Total height of all sample plants/treatment

The average plant height (m) =
Number of sample plants/treatment

The average diameter of fruits. The diameter of fruits was determined by

measuring the diameter of the fruits on the middle portion using a vernier caliper. This was

taken from all sample plants in the harvest area for three (3) harvestings.

Total diameter of fruits of all sample plants

in the harvest area/treatment
The average diameter of =
fruits (cm) Total number of fruits from sample plants
in the harvest area/treatment

The average number of fruits/plant. The number of fruits was determined by

counting the number fruits per plant. This was taken from all sample plants in the harvest

area for three (3) harvestings.

Total number of fruits of all sample plants

In the harvest area/treatment
The average number of =
fruits/plant Number of sample plants/treatment
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The average weight of fruits/plant. This weight of fruits was determined by

weighing the total number of fruits per plant. This was taken from all sample plants in the

harvest area for three (3) harvestings.

Total weight of fruits of all sample plants

In the harvest area/treatment
The average weight of =
fruits/plant (gms) Total number of fruits of all sample plants
In the harvest area/treatment

The yield per hectare (tons/ha). This was determined by weighing all the

harvested in the harvest area per treatment for four (4) harvestings. The total harvested

fruits was computed in kilograms per harvest area and was converted in to tons/hectare.

Total weight of
Fruits/harvest
Area/treatment (kg) 10,000m2 1 ton
The average yield per = X /
hectare (tons) Harvest area/ 1 ha 1,000 kg
treatment (m2)

Statistical Analysis

The data gathered was tabulated and analyzed statistically using the Analysis of

Variance (ANOVA) based on Split-plot Design, the Least Significant Difference (LSD)

and the Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) will also used to test the significant

differences among treatment means set at 5% and 1% level of significance.

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DATE ACTIVITIES

Seed box preparation

First Plowing

Second Plowing

First Harrowing

Sowing of seeds

Field Lay-out

Watering of seed bed

Stalking and digging of holes

Bagging

Watering of Seedling

Pricking

Hardening off

Transplanting

Watering

First Spraying of Botanical pesticides

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Weeding and Cultivation

Second Spraying of Botanical pesticides

Weeding and cultivation

Weeding and Cultivation

First harvest

Second Harvest

Third Harvest

Fourth Harvest

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES