Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Pepper (Capsicum frustescensL.) is an economically important crop belonging to the

family Solanaceae. It is originated from South and Central America where it is still under

cultivation (Pickersgill,1997). The genus Capsicum has five domesticated species (C. annuum,

C. frutescens, C. chinense, C. pubescens and C. baccatum) of which C. annuum is the most

widely cultivated species worldwide (Andrews, 1984).

Peppers are considered the first spice to have been used by human beings and there is

archaeological evidence of pepper and other fossil foods from as early as 6000 years ago (Hill et

al., 2013). Its fruits contain significant amount of vitamin A and C and used in Filipino cuisine.

The high cost of living today brought about economic situation in the country, commands

considerable attention to improve farming practices for continuous food supply. Vegetable crop

like pepper is one of the crops with high market demands, which should be considered in terms

of production technology (Agriculture,May2015)

It is a small perennial shrub characterized by white or greenish-white corolla, one or

more pedicels at a node with varying fruit sizes and shapes (Norman, 1992). The crop can also

be distinguished by its pungency which varies with cultivar but generally higher in smaller fruit

types than larger thick-fleshed types. Pepper can be grown in both dry and wet season. It can be

planted in a well-drained sand to clay loam soil that is rich in organic matter 5.5 to 6.8 pH. It
grows relatively quick with a maturity period of 3-4 months. It can also be planted in areas with

flat to moderate steep slope and container. The water requirement of pepper ranges 3.3 – 3.5

mm/ day (Agriculture, January 2015).

Objectives of the study

This study will conducted ti find out the growth and yield performance of green pepper

using cow manure.

Specifically it aimed to:

1. Find out the best result of cow manure

2. Determine the cost and return of the different treatments

Significance of the Study

The outcome of this study were beneficial for the producers who want to use cow manure

for the pepper production. Furthermore, findings on this study would be used by other

researchers as a reference for conducting further studies to plant nutrient management on green

pepper production.

Scope of Delimitation

This study was conducted at thein Pangasinan State University Experimental Demo

Farm, Sta.Maria, Pangasinan from September ____to December ___ with the duration of _

days.
Definition of terms

This following term used in this research study were hereby defined and explained for

better understanding.

Influence - the power to cause changes without directly forcing what happen (Merriam-Webster

Dictionary)

Growth – a stage of processing (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

Yield – the amount of something that is produce by a plant (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

Application - the action of putting something into operation (Wikipedia, The Free

Encyclopedia)

Randomization – refers to the manner in which the treatment is assigned in the experimental
unit with the function to reduce any bias estimates of treatments means and experimental errors

Manure – solid waste from farm animals that is used to make soil better for growing plants.

Irrigation - application of water into the soil for the purpose of supplying the moisture essential
for growth. (FA 116 notes)
 Chapter 2

Review of Literature

Specific properties of cow manure

Cow manure contains the three main plant nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Although some natural variation occurs among manure from different cows, the amounts in fresh

cow manure with bedding or litter are roughly 11 percent nitrogen, 4 percent phosphorus and 10

percent potassium, and the nutrients become available to plants at a moderate speed. Fresh cow

manure with bedding or litter also has a sizable water content -- 86 percent; therefore, it is

beneficial because it helps to keep soil evenly moist throughout the growing season.

Importance of cow manure

Manure is one of the oldest methods of fertilization, and using cow manure in farming is

actually fairly simple. Its other advantages include high nutrient levels and widespread

availability, but take precautions when using it. Adding to cow manure's benefits is the fact that

it is not difficult to find. Many dairy farmers offer free manure to people who haul it away. Even

where payment is expected, it is generally no more than a small fee for enough to fill a truck's

bed. Check before getting cow manure, however, because a big difference exists between fresh

manure and aged manure, both of which are widely available. Both are fine to use, but they need

to be treated and used differently. Composting cow manure has several benefits. In addition to

eliminating harmful ammonia gas and pathogens (like E. coli), as well as weed seeds, composted
cow manure will add generous amounts of organic matter to your soil. By mixing this compost

into the soil, you can improve its moisture-holding capacity. This allows you to water less

frequently, as the roots of plants can use the additional water and nutrients whenever needed.

Additionally, it will improve aeration, helping to break up compacted soils. Composted cow

manure also contains beneficial bacteria, which convert nutrients into easily accessible forms so

they can be slowly released without burning tender plant roots. Composting cow manure also

produces about a third less greenhouse gases, making it environmentally friendly.

Importance of Pepper

Pepper is a vital commercial crop, cultivated for vegetable, spice, and value-added

processed products (Kumar and Rai, 2005). Besides vitamins A and C, the fruits contain

mixtures of antioxidants notably carotenoids, ascorbic acid, flavanoids and polyphenols (Nadeem

et al., 2011). This makes it a very important constituent of many foods, adding flavour, colour

and pungency and, hence, an important source of nutrition for humans. Peppers can be used

whole, chopped or in various processed forms such as fresh, dried and ground into powder

(with or without the seeds), or as an extract. In most advanced countries, the fresh fruits can

be processed into paste and bottled for sale in supermarkets. Pepper can also be used

medically for the treatment of fevers and colds (Norman, 1992). Bell pepper, being a very rich

source of vitamins A, C, B6, folic acid and beta-carotene, provides excellent nutrition for

humans (Nadeem et al., 2011). Antioxidant compounds present in the different colours (green,

yellow, orange, and red) in sweet bell peppers give them an antioxidative potential which
helps protect the body from oxidative damage induced by free radicals when consumed

(Simmone et al., 1997). This reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, asthma, sore throat,

headache and diabetes.

Insect Pest in Pepper

Aphids (Aphis gossypii)suck sap on stems, terminal shoots and petioles of seedlings, and

on pods and flowers of mature plants. Heavy attack can cause death of young seedlings.

Stunting, and delay in flowering of older plants (Mamaril et al., 2013)

Cut Worm(Agrotismunda) are moth larvae that hide under litter or soil during the day,

coming out in the dark to feed on plants. A larva typically attacks the first part of the plant it

encounters, namely the stem, often of the seedling. And consequently, cuts it down; hence the

cut worm. (Mamaril et al., 2013)

White Flies(Hermiptera) they are considered a mjor pest for many crops because they

cause considerable damage and loss of production. They feed by sucking the sap from the host

plant. They are polyphagus, meaning that they feed on many different plants, and so they

represent a hazard for the majority of crops. (Mamaril et al., 2013)

Thrips(Thysanoptera) many thrips species are pest of commercially important crops. A

few species serve as vectors for over 20 viruses that cause plant disease, especially the

Tospoviruses. (Mamaril et al., 2013)

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

(General Curriculum), this thesis proposal entitled “GROWTH AND YIELD PERFORMANCE OF

GREEN PEPPER AS INFLUENCE OF COW MANURE” prepared and submitted by DARLICE R.

BAUTISTA, is hereby approved and accepted.

BRENDA PANELO
STATISTICIAN ADVISER

Contribution no._____

PANEL OF EVALUATIOR

Approved by the Committee Oral Examiners

Chairman

Member Member

Accepted and approved as partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree Bachelor of

Science in Agriculture (General Curriculum).

HONORIO L. CASCOLAN, Ph. D PRISCILLA L. AGSALUD ,Ph.D

AS INFLUENCE OF COW MANURE

An undergraduate thesis proposal presented to the faculty members of

Pangasinan State University

Sta. Maria , Pangasinan

In partial Fullfillment of Requirements for the degree of

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

( General Curriculum )

DARLICE R. BAUTISTA

Pangasinan State University

Sta. Maria Campus

Sta. Maria , Pangasinan

2018