RESPONSE OF DIANA WATERMELON (Citrullus lanatus L.

) TO VARIOUS
BIONUTRIENT APPLICATION

__________________________________________________

A Research Proposal
Presented to
ARLENE P. ABLOG, Ph.D.
Graduate School
Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Sta. Maria Campus

______________________________________________

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE
Major in Rural Development

1
 CHAPTER 1

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) leads the world production figures among

Cucurbitaceae family in terms of volume and area planted. In 2012, watermelon

production in the world amounted to 105.372 million tons more than half of which were

produced in Asia (Hortoinfo.es, 2014). In the Philippines, watermelon ranks second in

terms of volume among other major vegetables grown. Watermelon is a native to Central

Africa but was grown by ancient Egyptians and is believed to have also been cultured in

Asia, Russia and the near Middle East, for a thousand of years now. Today, Southwest

Asia is the second center of diversity for watermelon (FAO, 2001).

The climatic conditions in the provinces of La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte

are favorable for watermelon production particularly during the onset of the dry season in

November (Sabado, 2005). The crop is usually planted after the first rice crop and

extends up to late January for late season crops. Watermelon has become a popular crop

among farmers because it demands a good market price and is a favorite dessert and

snack especially during the hot summer months of the year (Samonte, 2006). Farmers sell

their produce within the community and nearby provinces where watermelon is not

grown but supply is not sustained until the summer months where the demand could even

be greater and the price is higher.

In 2015, a total of 2,396.7 metric tons was produced in Ilocos Sur from 128.86

hectares planted to watermelon particularly in the towns of Sinait, Cabugao, Magsingal,

Sto. Domingo and Sta. Lucia (OPAG, 2016). Production has declined in the past years

2
due to decreased yield. However, much of the decline has been due to reduced consumer

demand which has result of the sale of poor-quality watermelons, something that can be

obtained only with careful management, correct number of vines to be maintained and

incorporation of organic fertilizer.

Diana watermelon is a solo type F1 variety with oblong shape and unique, golden-

yellow skin. This is an excellent variety for high class markets. Its flesh is red with a

cottony, fluffy texture. Brix averages from 10% to 12% and is harvestable starting from

the 60 DAT depending on weather and temperature conditions.

The importance of successful watermelon production has been looked into

nowadays. It is important that watermelon yield in the province and in nearby producing

areas can be increased and the supply be maintained in order that the local markets can

meet the demand in terms of volume and fruit quality. Increased production and

improved quality would enable local producers to increase their income. The trend of

increasing demand in the local market is parallel with stable production system that

enhances higher crop yield and profitability.

Most cucurbit crops like watermelon need a good production system. Two of the

most important aspects that would increase yield and improve quality include the right

number of vines to be maintained and proper nutrient management.

Another means of improving productivity is proper nutrient management.

Researchers nowadays, keep on discovering alternative fertilizers to inorganic one. They

have started to discover more native and organic plants in the surroundings to have the

potential of becoming an effective organic fertilizer.

3
 Organic fertilizers are fertilizers that are mainly composed of organic or natural

fertilizers such as manures and potash. Organic fertilizers are composed of anything

biodegradable that is found in nature which releases nutrients as it decays (Diaz et al.,

2011).

It is the milieu that the researcher thinks of using organic foliar fertilizer such as

Fish Amino Acid (FAA), Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ) and Indigenous Micro Organism.

Fish Amino Acid (FAA) is organic fertilizer sprayed on leaves for its nitrogen and

trace minerals and used directly by plants. Also, the micro-nutrients in natural form are

immediately absorbed into leaf surface. Spraying on regular basis increases the health,

vigor and yield of plants due to easily absorbed additional nutrition (Indian Mart, 2012).

On the other hand, Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ) helps the plants because of its

capacity of dissolving the chlorophyll in a short period of time to be readily absorbed by

the plants due to its natural enzymes (Diaz et al., 2011).

Likewise, Indigenous Micro Organisms (IMO) which is involved in the different

processes such as fermentation, decomposition, nitrogen fixation and nutrient fixation. It

aids in the assimilation of the plants. It enables better nutrient absorption hence, healthier

plant growth. IMO is said to be cheap because of the availability of the materials in

cultivating it. It can be collected in rice or in fermented vegetables like mustard. A large

diversity of IMO can be found in forests, bamboo grooves and areas with thick

accumulation of plant residues. Introduction of IMO as substitute to chemical fertilizer in

the production of tomato have lessened the use of hazardous chemicals (Ferrer, 2016).

4
 Various bio-nutrient application had also been studied in numerous crops and had

some positive response to yield and quality but not much as watermelon, hence, this is

proposal study.

Objectives of the Study

This study will be conducted to determine the response of Diana Watermelon to

bio-nutrient application. Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. Determine the performance of Diana watermelon to three different bio-nutrient

sources (fish amino acids, fermented plant juice and indigenous microorganisms).

2. Determine the best bio-nutrient source that will give the best performance of the

watermelon in terms of growth, yield and quality;

3. Identify the appropriate bio-nutrient source that will give the higher fruit set and

yield.

4. Determine the marketable profitability of the Diana watermelon.

TIME AND PLACE OF THE STUDY

The study will be conducted at Barangay Margaay, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.

Importance of the Study

The results of this study can be beneficial to the following:

Students. This will serve as a source of information and additional knowledge to

them;

5
 Watermelon growers/Farmers. This serves as additional knowledge to them.

They could apply this as their guide for growing watermelon and utilize these bio-

nutrients as their bridge to join hand in hand to increase their productivity and income.

Barang-ay Demofarm Project Staff on Plant Division. The results of the study

can be used as their guide to increase their productivity and income.

Agricultural Technicians. This is a form of technology that can be introduced to

farmers.

Instructors/Professors. Results may give them additional information and

knowledge that can be used in teaching especially to plant science.

Researchers. Results can be a basis in conducting another research.

6
DEFINITION OF TERMS

Abscission – the separation of a leaf, flower of fruit from a plant as a result of natural,

structural and chemical changes.

Amino Acid – a liquid made from fresh trash which contains abundant amounts of

nutrients and various types of amino acids.

Bio-nutrient – nutrients derived from living organisms.

Fermented Plant Juice – juice extracted from axillary buds and young fruits, fats

growing plants, young leaves of plants that is subjected to fermentation.

Fruit Quality – refers to the taste and texture of flesh.

Indigenous Micro-Organism – are group of innate microbial consortium that inhabit the

soil and the surfaces of all living things inside and outside which have the potentiality in

biodegradation, bioleaching, bio-composting, nitrogen fixation, improving soil fertility

and as well in the production of plant growth hormones.

Non-Climacteric – fruits that ripen without ethylene and respiration burst.

Total Soluble Solid – the sugar content measures and includes the carbohydrates,

organic acids, proteins, fats and minerals of the fruit.

Watermelon – is a warm season annual that covers a large area with its

sprawling stem which bears oval or round fruits with a hard green or yellow skin and

sweet and juicy red, pink and yellow flesh usually with many black seeds.

7
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This presents results of conducted studies and literature which serve as bases of

the researcher in the conduct of the present study.

Crop Description and Climatic Requirements

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a member of Cucurbitaceae family, which also

includes Squash, Muskmelons, Gourds and Pumpkins. Individual plants of watermelon

produce both male and female flowers and the size of the fruit varies from 2 to 14 kg,

depending on the variety. Watermelon is successfully grown under cold temperature. The

best average temperature for watermelon production is between 18ºC and 35ºC. Above

35ºC or below 16ºC temperature will slow the growth and affect the crops maturity.

Watermelon does well on sandy loam or silt loamy soils. Sandy soils have limited water-

holding capacities and must be carefully watered and fertilized to allow for high yield

potential. Soil pH which ranges from 5.8 to 6.6 is ideal for watermelon production.

Watermelon serves as food for human consumption. It is a fruit that provides large

amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants at low amount of calories. It contains fiber

which encourages healthy digestion. The consumption of watermelon decreases the risk

of obesity and overall mortality, diabetes and heart diseases. Vegetables constitute a

major source of nitrate, providing more than 85% of the average daily human dietary

intake (Gangoli, 1982).

Watermelons are warm season annuals and are less tolerant to cold weather than

other Cucurbits and Cantaloupe. They have long prostrate vines and thus, require a lot of

garden space for good yield (George, 2004). It requires well-drained soils that are rich in

8
organic matter with water retention capacity (Lawal, 2000). The seeds are rich in fat and

protein and are eaten as snacks and also added to other dishes or used as an oil seed.

NUTRIENTS QUANTITIES

Energy 30 kcal

Carbohydrate (g) 7.55

Sugar (g) 6.20

Dietary Fiber (g) 0.40

Fat (g) 0.15

Protein (g) 0.61

Source: USDA, 2002

Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C (8.1 mg) and vitamin A (10%). It

also provides significant amount of vitamin B, as well as minerals such as potassium (K),

magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na) and zinc (Zn)

(Wikipedia, 2013). The leaves and fruits are utilized as green vegetables (Wayne, 1990).

Watermelon is spaced widely in the farm, though bush varieties that require less spacing

are gradually introduced into cultivation. It is desired largely as a refreshing source of

tasty water and utilizes large amount of moisture to produce juicy flesh (George, 2004).

Some farmers who embark on large scale production of watermelon lack cultural

practices like pruning in its production. Efforts are required for appropriate cultural

practice to sustainable production of watermelon.

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Bio-Nutrient

Fish Amino Acid (FAA)

Every plant like any organism needs certain components for growth over and

above the soil, sun, rain and air. The basic component of living cells is proteins, with

building block material, amino acids. Proteins are formed by sequence of Amino Acids

(Priyachem, 2011 as cited by Payopay, 2013).

The requirement of amino acids in essential quantities is well known as a means

to increase yield and quality of crops.

The application of amino acids for foliar use is based on its requirement by plants

in general and at critical stages of growth in particular. Plant absorbs amino acids through

stomata and are appropriate to environment temperature.

Foliar nutrition in the form of Protein Hydrolysate (known as Amino Acids

Liquid) and foliar spray provide readymade building blocks for Protein synthesis.

Amino acids are nitrogen (N), part of the five macro-nutrient elements of

fertilizer. Fish amino acid is a liquid made from fish trash. It contains abundant amounts

of nutrients and various types of amino acids. It is absorbed directly by the crops and it

stimulates the activity of microorganism. If you add urea, you will have an even better

effect.

Herring was used in making Fish Amino Acid because it produces the largest amount of

fat which has a very strong smell that repels insects particularly Mythimna Separala

10
Walker. The fat from the fish was collected during the production process, mix with

water and spray onto the leaves (Rooftopecology, 2009).

Fish has been used as a natural source of plant nutrients for centuries. Fish

fertilizer provides a rich source of organic matter that breaks down and release nutrients

into the soil to enhance the strength and vigor of the plants. Additionally, naturally

occurring microbes thrive and work their best in soil rich in organic matter. Fish fertilizer

is ideal for use on all plants including vegetable garden, fruits, roses, shrubs, trees and

container plants (Home Harvest, 2012 as cited by Payopay, 2013).

External application of amino acid is profitable in agriculture. Many agriculture

universities have concluded trials and it is concluded that when amino acid is sprayed in

cotton, chilies, groundnut, sunflower, tomato, potato, grapes, tea, coffee, paddy rice and

wheat, increased yield was recorded (Diaz, 2011).

Table 1. Nutrient Content of Fish Amino Acid

Nutrient Element Amount

Ph 3.37

Nitrogen, N 0.58

Phosphorus, P2O5 0.11

Potassium, K2O 0.21

Source: Graduate Thesis (F.V.Aquino, 2018)

Fish Fertilizers provide an excellent source of nutrition plants and the soil. When

fish fertilizers are used, the plants receive a controlled level of nitrogen, a vital element

necessary for the production of chlorophyll and maintaining the health of the plant. Too

11
much nitrogen, which can be a side effect of chemical fertilizers, can overwhelm the

plant and cause it to be more vulnerable to weather fluctuations, insects and diseases. It is

well known that synthetic nitrogen fertilizers ‘volatilize’ into the atmosphere, not only

being lost to plant availability, but contributing to greenhouse gases. Runoff of synthetic

fertilizers to the water table, aquifers, streams, rivers and our oceans are other negative

side effects (Ground Pacific Bioproduct, 2012).

Another major benefit of using a fish fertilizer is improving a healthy food source

which stimulates microorganism that exist in the soil. Some forms of commonly found

soil microbes also synthesize nitrogen (e.g. nitrifying bacteria). When fed good food, they

increase in numbers and produce more available organic nitrogen for roots to uptake and

naturally feed the plant. An active soil ecosystem will improve the vitality of the crop and

increase production.

Based from the result of the study conducted by (Tomas, 2016) on the effect of

fish amino acid (FAA) on the yield performance of tomato revealed that plants sprayed

with fish amino acid produced significantly bigger polar (4.18 cm) and lateral (3.74 cm)

diameter of tomato fruits, produced more marketable fruits per plot (28.45) and non-

marketable fruits/plot (13.26) in terms of number of non-marketable fruits/plot, plants

fertilized with fish amino acid produced more number of non-marketable fruits/plot

(13.26) and gave heavier fruits per hectare (19.60 tons).

FERMENTED PLANT JUICE

Fermented plant juice (FPJ) is derived from mixing the young shoots of kangkong

with molasses and/or crude sugar and fermented in one (1) week. FPJ is rich in micro and

12
macro-nutrients. The juice also contains microorganisms which gives strength to plants

and animals. The shoots of plants are difficult to dissolve in water or any kind of oil but it

can be done with a little amount of alcohol. The process of fermenting the soft parts of

the plants with molasses/crude sugar and with the presence of microorganisms will result

to a small per cent of alcohol which is responsible in extracting the juice from the young

parts of the plants.

Table 2. Nutrient Content of Fermented Plant Juice

Nutrient Element Amount

Ph 3.37

Nitrogen, N 1.62

Phosphorus, P2O5 0.11

Potassium, K2O 0.36

Source: Graduate Thesis (F.V.Aquino, 2018)

The part of the plants used for this fermentation is the shoot because it is this part

that stores a high percentage of nutrients coming from the soil and from the atmosphere.

Moreover, plants used for FPJ are those that are fast growing such that if you cut the

shoot now, regeneration of a new part will take effect in a few hours. Kamote, Squash,

Kangkong, Alugbati, Banana and Bamboo are some of the plants that could be used and

others with same characteristics and the ones readily available in the area (Diaz et al.,

2011). Kangkong has been chosen because these were abundant in the area where the

study was conducted and proven to give higher yield per hectare.

13
 FPJ can be used as a spray at almost any stage of a plant’s growth cycle. It helps

in nutrient absorption, adding vitality and colour to plants and fruits. It must be diluted to

water, 1:500 and is commonly used in conjunction with other inputs (Kalapan Organics,

2013).

Findings on the growth and yield performance of different vegetables applied

with organic fertilizers in tomato, mungbean, cowpea, pepper and eggplant revealed no

significant differences among the different fertilizers in terms of initial height, plant

height at flowering and number of days to harvest on tomato, mungbean, cowpea, pepper

and eggplant (Pagluanan and Anical, 2012). However, statistical analysis showed highly

significant result on the number of days to fruit setting of pepper applied with fermented

plant juice compared to the other treatments, while no significant effect of the different

fertilizers on the number of marketable fruits and weight of marketable fruits on tomato,

mungbean, cowpea and pepper except on eggplant which showed that those plants

applied with fermented plant juice produced the greatest number and heaviest weight of

marketable fruits that resulted in higher yield obtained per hectare (Paluanan and Anical,

2012).

Study result conducted by Mola (2016) on the effect of different plant juices (FPJ)

in tomato revealed significant differences in terms of lateral diameter of fruits, number

and weight of marketable and non-marketable fruits per plot and fruit yield/hectare

except for the polar diameter which is not significant.

Plants sprayed with fermented string beans juice significantly had the biggest

lateral fruit diameter (4.74 cm), had the greatest number of marketable fruits produce

14
(147.33/plot), while plants sprayed with fermented camote juice had the least number of

fruits (1.67) per plot.

In terms of fruit weight per plot of tomato, plants sprayed with fermented string

beans juice produced the heaviest marketable fruits per plot and fruit yield/ha (19.22

tons).

Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO)

Environmental protection has the foremost importance in the present-day life of

mankind. Scientists have been researching for technologies naturally available for

enhance of agriculture, management of agricultural waste, etc. Indigenous

Microorganisms (IMO’s) – based technology is one such great technology which is

applied in the eastern part of the world for the extraction of minerals, enhancement of

agriculture and waste management. Indigenous microorganisms are a group of innate

microbial consortium that inhabits the soil and the surfaces of all living things inside and

outside which have the potentially in biodegradable, bio-bleaching, bio-composting,

nitrogen fixation, improving soil fertility and as well in the production of plant growth

hormones (Kumar and Sai Gopal, 2015).

Table 3. Nutrient Content of Indigenous Micro-Organism

Nutrient Element Amount

Ph 3.88

Nitrogen, N 1.86

Phosphorus, P2O5 0.01

Potassium, K2O 0.36

15
Source: Graduate Thesis (F.V.Aquino, 2018)

The uniqueness of microorganisms and their often-unpredictable nature and

biosynthetic capabilities, given a specific set of environmental and cultural condition,

have made them likely condition, have made them likely candidates for solving

particularly difficult problems in life science and other fields as well. The responsible

use of indigenous microorganisms to get economic, social and environmental benefits is

inherently attractive and determines a spectacular evolution of research from traditional

technologies to modern techniques to provide an efficient way to protect environment and

provide new methods of monitoring the environment (Cai et al., 2013).

Chemical fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides and other agricultural inputs derived

from fossil fuels have increased agricultural production, yet the growing awareness and

concern over their adverse effect on soil productivity and environmental quality cannot

be ignore. The high cost of these products, the difficulties of meeting demand for them,

and their harmful environmental legacy have encouraged scientist to develop alternative

strategies to raise productivity, with microbes playing a central role in these effort

(Vaxevanidou et al., 2015).

One application is the use of soil microbes as bio inoculants for supplying

nutrients and/or stimulating plant growth. Some rhizospheric microbes are known to

synthesis plant growth promoters and antibiotics, as well as aiding phosphorous uptake.

The last 50 years have seen quick steps made in our appreciation of the diversity of

environmental microbes and their possible benefits to sustainable agriculture and

production. The advent of powerful new methodologies in microbial genetics, molecular

biology and biotechnology has only quickened the pace of developments (Patil et

16
al.,2014).

Indigenous microorganisms are a group of innate microbial consortium that

inhabits the soil and the surface of all living things inside and out which have the

potentiality in biodegradation, nitrogen fixation, improving soil fertility, phosphate

solubilizes and plant growth promoters (Umiand Sariah, 2006). Without these microbes,

the life will be wretched and melancholic on this lively planet for the survival of human

race.

Indigenous microorganisms play an important role by protecting the normal host

from invasion by microorganisms with a great potential for causing diseases. They

compete with the pathogens for essential nutrients and for making the environment

inimical to colonization by pathogens. They are the important component of world

biodiversity (Sadi et al., 2006). These microorganisms increase the availability of

nutrients to host plants (Vessey, 2003) and increase the water-holding capacity, making

the plants to have sufficient (or) enough water all the time. It improves the aeration to the

plant root such that exchange of gases takes place effectively and prevents soil erosion.

Result of the study conducted by Ferrer (2016) on the yield performance of

tomato as affected by the application of different levels of indigenous microorganisms

(MIO), revealed no significant differences among treatment in terms of polar and lateral

diameter of tomato fruits, number and weight of marketable and non-marketable fruits

per plot and fruit yield/ha. However, though no significant results were gathered, plants

sprayed with highest level of IMO registered the longest polar diameter, posted the

biggest lateral fruit diameter, had the greatest number of marketable fruits produced

17
fruits/plot. Likewise, plants applied with 6 tbsp of IMO/liter of water gave the best

number of non-marketable fruits per plot.

Furthermore, plants sprayed with 8 tbsp of IMO/Li of water produced the heaviest

marketable fruits per plot and produced the heaviest marketable fruit yield/ha, while

plants sprayed with 2 tbsp IMO/Li of water registered the heaviest non-marketable fruits

per plot.

18
 CHAPTER 2

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the methodology of the study. Specifically gives the details

to the methods and procedures and explains how the data will be collected, analyzed and

interpreted.

Materials

The following materials will be used in this study:

Diana watermelon seeds

 Fertilizers:

 Inorganic

o 14-14-14

o Calcium nitrate

o Muriate of potash (0-0-60)

o Boron

o Magnesium

 Organic

o Extreme 300

 Pesticides:

 Insecticides

o Methomyl

o Ascend

19
 o Deltamethrin

 Fungicides

o Dithane

o Kumulus df

o Difeconazole

 Knapsack sprayers

 Plastic trays

 Meter tape

 Weighing scale

 Measuring spoon

 Scissors

Materials for making Bio-Nutrients:

 Kangkong tops

 Fish trash

 Rice

 Molasses

 Plastic pails with covers

 Jar

 Clean cloth

 Manila paper

 Plastic twine

 Record notebook and ballpen

20
Research Methods

Research Design and Treatment:

The experiment will be laying out in the field in random design. Each application

will be replicated in three (3) times. Treatments will be consisting of twelve (12) plots

with plot size of 5 m x 5 m. Distance between plots will be .80 m and distance between

plants will be 1 m.

Experimental Treatments and Design

FAA1 IMO1 FPJ1 C1

FPJ2 C2 FAA2 IMO2

IMO3 FAA3 C3 FPJ3

The different treatments will be as follows:

FAA – Use of Fish Amino Acid

IMO – Use of Indigenous Microorganisms

FPJ – Use of Fermented Plant Juice

C – Controlled (No Bio-Nutrient Application)

21
 Experimental Procedure

Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ)

Fermented Plant Juice

(FPJ)

Plant materials will be collected

early in the morning while they
fresh and will be chopped.

A kilogram of kangkong tops and a

kilogram of molasses will be mixed
in a kilogram of water.

The mixture will place in a plastic

jar on a cool and dry place and will
be fermented for 14 days.

The juice will be strained and will

place in a clean bottle.

22
FISH AMINO ACID (FAA)

FISH AMINO ACID (FAA)

A kilogram of fish entrails will be

mixed with a kilogram of molasses.

Will be placed in a plastic pail then

will be covered with Manila paper
and will be tied with plastic
twine/string.

The pail will be placed in a cool dry

place and will be fermented for 21
days.

23
 After 14 days, the mixture will be
strained and will place in a clean
bottle.

Indigenous Micro-Organisms (IMO)

Indigenous Micro-Organisms
(IMO)

One kilogram of milled rice, will be

cooked and will be cooled.

The cooked rice will be placed in a

bamboo and will be covered with
manila paper and will be secured
with rubber band.

24
The bamboo will be buried in the soil
at a depth equivalent to the
container’s height under a bamboo
grove where there will be a thick
accumulation of decomposing plant
residues to hasten growth of molds.

The box will be left untouched for 5-7

days. After 5-7 days, white molds will
be formed and the IMO will be
harvested.

The rice in the bamboo will be

transferred to a plastic pail for
fermentation.

A kilogram of molasses will be added

and will be mixed thoroughly with a
kilogram of rice to form a concoction.

25
 Will be covered with manila paper
and will be secured with rubber band.
It will be stored in a secured place for
seven days to ferment.

After seven days, the concoction will

be transferred in plastic bottle and
will be labelled as IMO Concoction.

Data Gathering Procedure

 Plant Survival (%). The mortality of the plants will be recorded by counting the

number of plants that will survive 1 month after transplanting.

Plant Survival (%) = the total no. of plants survived x 100

Total number of plants grown

 Days to flowering (d). The number of days to flowering will be counted which

will starts from the date of sowing and will end when 50% of the population in

each plot will be producing the first female flowers.

 Vine length (cm). The average vine length of five random plants per treatment

per combination will be measured and recorded at harvest.

26
 Per cent Fruit Set (%). The number of female flowers produced by each plant

will be counted during flowering. The percentage of fruit set will base on the

number of fruits that will develop over the number of female flowers producing

by the plant and will be multiplied by one hundred.

Fruits set (%) = no. of fruits developed x 100

no. of female flowers produced

 Days from transplanting to harvesting (d). The number of days from

transplanting to harvesting will be recorded when 80% per cent of the fruits will

reach the ripening stage.

 Marketable and unmarketable fruits (%). The number of good size and good

fruits shape will be recorded. Too small (0.50 kg below) and deformed fruits will

consider unmarketable fruits and will be recorded. The percentage marketable and

unmarketable fruits will be computed using the formula below:

Marketable fruits (%) = no. of marketable fruit x 100

Total no. of fruits harvested

Unmarketable fruit (%) = no. of unmarketable fruits x 100

Total no. of fruits harvested

 Total marketable yields (kg). Harvest marketable fruits will be weighed.

 Weight per fruit (cm). Fruit size will be determined by taking the polar and

equatorial diameter of the fruits and classified as: extra small, small, medium and

large.

27
 Fruit Acceptability. This will be obtained by selecting random samples for every

treatment using the fruit acceptability rating index. Evaluation of groups will be

done by three groups of evaluators.

Evaluators will compose of faculty, students and farmers.

Fruit acceptability rating index

Index Taste

1 Bland

2 Slightly Bland

3 Sweet

4 Very Sweet

Index Flesh Texture

1 Spongy

2 Less firm

3 Firm

4 Compact

 Cost and return analysis. Cost and return analysis will be computed based on

the current price of inputs (fertilizers, chemicals, seeds, labour, etc.)

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

• Data will be analyzed using the analysis of variance of Complete Randomized

Design.
28
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