Cacti Propagation at Home: Effect of Green

Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata) in Growth

A Capstone Research Paper presented to the

Faculty of the Senior High School

Capiz National High School

Roxas City, Capiz

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

Capstone Research

Avelino, Mary Carmelli

Deado, Rix B.

Deocampo, Jhun Mark

Lachica, Ramon Rafael V.

Marcelino, Vince Andrie A.

Taping, Angela A.

June 2020
 ABSTRACT

The popularity of succulents as ornamental plants has increased, especially in this

time of pandemic. Aside from their unique beauties it gives health benefits to people.

Gardeners used fertilizer on their plants to have a better outcome of plant growth, but

some agriculturists believe that some fertilizers can degrade soil nutrients. Thus, the

researchers devised a plan to perform a study to determine the effect of Green Algae

(Enteromorpha clathrata) on cactus propagation in terms of its growth yield. Plant

propagation is essential to increase production rates and plant quality in the shortest time

possible. In this study, it aims to see if there is significance in using biofertilizer on the

propagation of Cacti (Golden Sedum) after being exposed to different amounts of Green-

Algae. The results showed from the data gathered that we accepted Ho for a sample.

Which means, there is no significant difference in the growth of cacti in terms of the

number of leaves after applying the Green Algae as a biofertilizer. Hence, Green-Algae

cannot be used as an alternative biofertilizer on propagating Cacti. The researchers

recommend the use of organic fertilizer on propagating cacti. However, the use of

organic fertilizers should be applied accordingly to avoid nitrate pollution, which can

cause harm to the plants and to the environment. The researchers recommend being keen

and discrete in observing the growth of a plant to avoid errors in the future.
Table of Contents

Abstract i

Chapter

I. Introduction

Rationale 1

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 3

Hypotheses 4

Conceptual Framework 4

Definition of Terms 5

Chapter

II. Review of Related Literature and Studies

Conceptual 6

Green Algae

Plant Propagation

Bio-Fertilizer

Foreign Studies

10
Chapter

III. Methodology

Research Design 12

Research Population and Sample 12

Research Materials and Equipment 12

Data Collection Procedure 14

Data Analysis Procedure 15

Documentation 15

Chapter

IV. Results and Discussion

Table of Data for Number of Leaves (Dried Algae) 18

Table of Data for Length of Leaves (Dried Algae) 19

Table of Data on Number of Leaves (Fresh Algae) 19

Table of Two-Way Analysis of Variance (Dried Algae) 20

Table of Two-Way Analysis of Variance (Fresh Algae) 20

Discussion 21

Chapter

V. Conclusion and Recommendation

Conclusion 23

Recommendation 23

References 24

Appendices 27
 Chapter I

Introduction

Rationale

In this time of pandemic, plants have been being paid a lot of attention by citizens

as a way of coping up with boredom. The top most plants would be the “Cactaceae” or

Cactus plant. Cacti are full of nutrients and vitamins that have anti-inflammatory

properties, it can also be a good help to reduce the risk of serious health conditions. By

knowing its benefits, people would come up with such ideas, propagation and fertilizers

for its fast growth. Plant propagation is a technique of multiplying beneficial plants.

The said plant costs Php 200.00 to Php 300.00 depending on the variety of plant.

It sometimes costs higher when the type is rare, which is not bad to be an alternative

source of income while staying at home due to pandemic. To grow plants faster and

healthier, most of the people used fertilizer on their plants to have a better outcome.

However, most commercial fertilizers have bad effects on the plants and sometimes ruin

the quality of the soil. Thus, the researchers come up with an idea to conduct a research

project that aims to determine the acceptability of Green Algae as an alternative fertilizer

on propagation of cacti in terms of its growth yield.

Background of the Study

Propagating plants is science. The understanding of techniques when dealing with

living specimens, especially when propagating them can be a challenge. Some plants are

extremely easy to propagate, while others present a real challenge – it really depends on

the plant. One may propagate a plant well, but when tried again, may might not get the

1
same result, but working out why is one of the fun challenges one will encounter in

propagation (Botanic Gardens of South Australia, 2017).

According to Giri, B., Prasad, R. et.al, (2019), “the increased dependency of

modern agriculture on excessive synthetic input of chemical fertilizers has caused several

environmental problems related to greenhouse effect, soil deterioration, and air and water

pollution”. To promote an adequate and cost-efficient production of resources for human

consumption, it is imperative to practice viable agricultural strategies without using so

much energy and causing any environmental problems.

Consequently, bio-fertilizers containing microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and

algae have been suggested as viable solutions for large-scale agricultural practices which

not only are natural, ecofriendly, and economical but also maintain soil structure as well

as biodiversity of agricultural land. Besides providing nutrient enrichment to the soil,

microbial bio-fertilizers promote plant growth by increasing efficient uptake or

availability of nutrients for the plants and by suppressing soilborne diseases. Bio-

fertilizers supplement nutrients mainly by fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, by

phosphorus solubilization, and by synthesizing plant growth-promoting substances (Giri,

B., Prasad, R. et.al, 2019)

The aforementioned concern about the increased dependency of modern

agriculture on excessive synthetic input of chemical fertilizers, inspire the researchers to

attempt to provide an effective and efficient solution. Therefore, in this study, the

researchers created a naturally-made fertilizer that is composed of Green Algae

(Chlorophyta) as a bio-fertilizer to propagate plants.

2
Statement of the Problem

General Objective

Generally, this study aims to determine the effect of Green Algae (Enteromorpha

clathrata) as an alternative fertilizer on the propagation of Cacti (Golden Sedum).

Specific Objectives

1. To determine the growth of cacti after 14 days of exposure to the Dried Green

Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata) in each of the following treatments:

a. Treatment A - 1 ml of Dried Algae Extract

b. Treatment B - 3 ml of Dried Algae Extract

c. Treatment C – 5 ml of Dried Algae Extract

d. Negative Control –Water

e. Positive Control – Commercial Fertilizer

2. To determine the growth of cacti after 14 days of exposure to the Fresh Green

Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata) in each of the following treatments:

a. Treatment A – 1 ml of Fresh Algae Extract

b. Treatment B – 3 ml of Dried Algae Extract

c. Treatment C – 5 ml of Dried Algae Extract

d. Negative Control – Water

e. Positive Control - Commercial Fertilizer

3
 3. To determine the significant difference in the growth of cacti after 14 days of

exposure to the Dried Green Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata) in terms of the

number of leaves, color, and length.

4. To determine the significant difference in the growth of cacti after 14 days of

exposure to the Fresh Green Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata) in terms of the

number of leaves, color, and length.

Hypotheses

1. There is no significant difference in the growth of cacti after 14 days of exposure

to the Dried Green Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata) in terms of the number of leaves,

color, and length.

2. There is no significant difference in the growth of cacti after 14 days of exposure to

the Fresh Green Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata) in terms of the number of leaves,

color, and length.

Conceptual Framework

Independent Variables Dependent Variables

Amount of Algae
Process of Algae Growth Yield of Cacti

(Fresh & Dried Algae)

4
Definition of Terms

Drying Process - Drying is a mass transfer process consisting of the removal of

water or another solvent by evaporation from a solid, semi-solid or liquid.

(Dictionary.net)

In this study, drying process will be used to process Green Algae (Enteromorpha

clathrata) which will be used as a treatment for the experiment.

Chlorophyta – are microorganisms that are grouped in the kingdom called

Protista. The microbes are plant-like, in that they are able to manufacture energy from

sunlight. The microbes are also commonly known as green algae. (Encyclopedia. com.,

N.D.)

In this study, the Green Algae served as a bio-fertilizer for Cacti propagation.

Propagation - increase (as of a kind of organism) in numbers, the spreading of

something (such as a belief) abroad or into new regions, enlargement or extension (as of a

crack) in a solid body. (Merriam Webster, 2021)

In this study, the propagation will be the factor to be examined to determine the

effectiveness of the treatment.

Cacti - any of a family (Cactaceae, the cactus family) of plants that have

succulent stems and branches with scales or spines instead of leaves and are found

especially in dry areas (such as deserts). (Merriam Webster, 2021)

In this study, the Cacti will be used for propagation by the help of Green Algae

(Chlorophyta) as a bio-fertilizer.

5
 Chapter II

Review of Related Literature and Studies

This chapter is made up of (3) topics, namely: (1) Green Algae ((Enteromorpha

clathrata)), (2) Propagation, and (3) Bio-fertilizer

The first topic, Green Algae, discusses the beneficiary role of supporting the

propagation/ Growth of plants.

The second topic, Plant Propagation, discusses the process of producing a new

plant from an existing one.

The third topic, Bio-fertilizer, discusses the microorganisms that enhance nutrient

availability to plants.

The fourth topic, Synthesis, provides a summary of all literature reviewed.

Conceptual

Plant propagation for home gardeners is not new. Aside from it gives great self -

satisfaction, the gardeners can get plants cheaply in large numbers for them to sell and

make a living from it. Having succulent or sedum plants gives benefits not only for

aesthetic purposes but also for its medicinal use. These plants are known to have diuretic

and laxative properties and its common uses are associated with skin conditions.

Agriculturists and gardeners use fertilizers for the plants to supplement the soil's nutrient

stocks with minerals that can be quickly absorbed and be used by the plants. Fertilizers

improve the structure of the soil and increase the ability to hold water and nutrients. It

provides nutrients needed by plants to grow faster and bigger so that yields are increased.

6
 Algae is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to can enhance the quality of soil

without degrading the ecosystem. Another benefit is the quick propagation rate of algae.

This specie can double its numbers within a single day. With such a high rate of growth,

one can continually use it without depleting the supply. It can also help with the soil's

water retention and create a more airy environment, which is excellent in promoting root

growth.

Soil that used algae fertilizers had significant lower levels of heavy metals. The

plants that received it as fertilizer also had plants with more leaves, higher rooting,

thicker stems, and higher yields than conventional fertilizer.

Green Algae

Chlorophytes are photosynthetic organisms characterized by its biochemical

plasticity, which has allowed them to develop in different environments and have a faster

growth rate than plants. Chlorophytes, do not have tissue-specific biochemistry activity,

meaning that each cell produces all the necessary substances for photosynthesis,

development, and reproduction. Therefore, interest in the biotechnological potential of

these organisms has increased, given their adaptability to large scale production

technologies. Some of these microalgae main biotechnological applications are high

nutritional value and healthy food production, hydrogen production as biofuel, ecosystem

restoration, and crops biofertilization (Nyberg et al., 2015; Verseux et al., 2016; Chamizo

et al., 2018).

7
 According to the species and environmental conditions, these organisms can

produce nitrogenous enzymes, for atmospheric nitrogen fixation; phosphatases,

forphosphorus solubilization; phytohormones similar to cytokinins for plant growth, such

as iso-Pentenyladenine and zeatin; and, hygroscopic polysaccharides that prevent erosion

and improve soil characteristics (Osman et. al., 2010; Lu and Xu, 2015; de Siqueira

Castro et al., 2017). These features have awakened interest in chlorophytes and

cyanophytes investigation as alternatives for organic crops fertilization. Multiple

laboratory and field experiments had evaluated these organisms' application in crops like

rice, corn, wheat, tomatoes, and others, especially in countries with limited access to

chemical fertilizers(Coppens et al., 2016; Renuka et al., 2016; Chittapun et al., 2018;

Dineshkumar et al., 2018; Dineshkumar et al., 2019). Thus, this review aims to analyze

the available information on chlorophytes, and cyanophytes use as biofertilizers for

organic food production, being an alternative to products obtained from chemical

syntheses, such as conventional fertilizers and pesticides.

Plant Propagation

Plant propagation is the process of creating new plants. There are two types of

propagation: sexual and asexual. Sexual reproduction is the union of the pollen and egg,

drawing from the genes of two parents to create a new, third individual. Sexual

propagation involves the floral parts of a plant. Asexual propagation involves taking a

part of one parent plant and causing it to regenerate itself into a new plant. The resulting

new plant is genetically identical its parent. Asexual propagation involves the vegetative

parts of a plant: stems, roots, or leaves. (The University of MAINE, N.D.)

8
 The fruit plants are propagated by several methods, which can be grouped under

two main heads, (i) sexual method - propagation by seeds and (ii) asexual method -

propagation by grafting. Using the asexual method of propagation the fruit plants produce

true-to-type (clones) of the parent plant. Moreover, these plants also produce uniform

yield, fruit size and quality (Yadav, D. & Singh, S.P., 2018). Moreover, Sexual plant

propagation encompasses topics and concepts such as pollination, seed production, and

planting. Sexual plant propagation produces plants that are genetically different from the

two parent plants. (Michigan State University, N.D.)

Bio-Fertilizer

According to African Journals Online, the massive application of chemical

fertilizers to support crop production has resulted in soil, water, and air pollution at a

global scale. In the same time, this situation escalated consumers’ concerns regarding

quality and safety of food production which, due to increase of fertilizer prices, have

provoked corresponding price increases of food products. It is widely accepted that the

only solution is to boost exploitation of plant-beneficial microorganisms which in

conditions of undisturbed soils play a key role in increasing the availability of minerals

that otherwise are inaccessible to plants.

Singh, M., Dotaniya, M.L. et.al. (2016) stated that in the present time, chemical

fertilizers are more in practice for crop production which affected the soil and

environment quality. The higher amount of chemical inputs in agricultural production

system affected the sustainability of the agricultural crop production systems, increased

cost of cultivation, and caused partial factor productivity decline, and maintaining the

global food security and environmental quality became a daunting challenge.

9
Indiscriminate and imbalanced use of fertilizers, mostly area, and the poor application of

organic matter to cropland had led to considerable reduction in soil health. Bio-fertilizer

is organic in nature containing an effective particular microorganism in a concentrated

form which originated either from the plant root nodule or from the soil of the

rhizosphere. Bio-fertilizers have emerged as potential environment-friendly inputs that

are benefited for agricultural crop production system. They hold vast prospective in

fulfilling the plant nutrient requirements, which are reducing the chemical fertilizer

application and minimizing environmental pollution.

Foreign Studies

According to Nain and Lin (2013) as mentioned in the study of Moreno, Murillo

and Para (2020) “soil fertilization is a relevant and limiting factor for crops growth and

productivity due to crops that extract large amounts of nutrients, and agricultural

practices that decrease organic matter (OM) content, which is essential for soil structure,

soil biodiversity, buffer capacity, thermal conductivity and soil fertility”; (Nain, et.al.,

2010; Lin, et.al., 2013); It was also mentioned by Lehmann and Kleber (2015) together

with Schlatter (2017) that it can affect soil's water retention. Research has shown that soil

processes related to phosphorus, carbon and nitrogen cycles, and also soil quality

indicators such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, community-level physiological profiles,

alkaline phosphatase, and dehydrogenase activities, are very sensitive to the

indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers causing serious consequences such as lower

nutritional quality, soil structure degradation, and change in the physical, chemical and

biological soil conditions as its microbiota is altered (Souza et al., 2016; Malik et al.,

2017; Nivelle et al., 2018).

10
 As an alternative to commercial fertilizers, a series of biofertilization techniques

had been developed, like composting use, organic and biological fertilizers, all of them

aiming to promote sustainable agricultural practices favorable to the environment and

that generate higher nutritional quality products (Vandana et al., 2017; Helmy, 2018).

Biofertilization stimulates soil properties by increasing OM content, facilitating cation-

exchange capacity (CEC), raising water retention, promoting aggregates formation, and

improving soil's buffering capacity, through the presence of polysaccharides and

mucilaginous substances that provide the cohesiveness for binding soil mineral particles

and thereby help in soil structure formation (Ghosh, 2018).

In the study conducted by Grzesik et al. (2017), it is found out that the

physiological response of plants to triple foliar bio-fertilization with cyanobacteria and

green algae under the conditions of limited use of chemical fertilizers was investigated.

At the beginning of the growing season, two weeks after cutting, the plants grown in 3-L

pots were divided into three plots. The soil in every plot was fertilized once with the

synthetic fertilizer YaraMila Complex at dosages of 0.0, 0.5, or 1.0 g per plant [0.0, 0.17,

and 0.33 g L–1(soil), respectively]. Plants were grown in 3-L pots filled with universal

soil. B-A was sprayed on leaves. And to assess the dynamics of growth, the height of

plants, total length of all shoots, and their number were measured every 3–4 weeks during

the whole vegetation season. Which made the Triple foliar biofertilization with intact

cells of Microcystis aeruginosa MKR 0105, Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, and Chlorella sp.

significantly enhanced physiological performance and growth of plants fertilized with a

synthetic fertilizer Yara Mila Complex (1.0, 0.5, and 0.0 g per plant).

11
 As stated by Mountain Crest Gardens (N.D.), the Hardy Sempervivum and Sedum

only requires to be watered once a week in order to look their best in the hottest, driest

periods of their summer growing season. It's best to water in the early morning or

evening to limit water loss to evaporation and prevent beads of water from magnifying

the afternoon sun and burning the leaves. This also helps hardy succulents tolerate high

heat and sun exposure.

12
 Chapter III

Methodology

Research Design

Experimental research is a scientific approach to research, where one or more

independent variables are manipulated to and are applied to one or more dependent

variables (Formplus, N.D.). The experimental research design will be used to measure the

effect of Green Algae as a bio-fertilizer in terms of physical features of the cacti.

Research Population and Sample

In order to assess the significant difference on the growth yield of cacti by using

Green Algae as a bio-fertilizer, the researchers provide five (5) treatments with five (5)

replicates each.

Research Materials and Equipment

Materials

For the preparation, the materials used in this study were as follow: three

milligrams (3 ml) of water, one hundred grams (100g) of soil, forty (40) pieces (Sedum

Adolphii) Golden sedum leaves and two (2) Pot for fresh and drying method and for the

tools that used in this study were weighing scale and watering can.

13
 DRIED ALGAE
TREATMENTS SPECIFICATIONS

TREATMENT A 1ml of Dried Algae Extract

TREATMENTS SPECIFICATIONS

TREATMENT B 3ml of Dried Algae Extract

TREATMENTS SPECIFICATIONS

TREATMENT C 5ml of Dried Algae Extract

TREATMENTS SPECIFICATIONS

POSITIVE CONTROL COMMERCIAL FERTILIZER

TREATMENTS SPECIFICATIONS

NEGATIVE CONTROL WATER

FRESH ALGAE

TREATMENTS SPECIFICATIONS

TREATMENT A 1ml of Fresh Algae Extract

TREATMENTS SPECIFICATIONS

TREATMENT B 3ml of Fresh Algae Extract

TREATMENTS SPECIFICATIONS

TREATMENT C 5ml of Fresh Algae Extract

TREATMENTS SPECIFICATIONS

POSITIVE CONTROL COMMERCIAL FERTILIZER

TREATMENTS SPECIFICATIONS

NEGATIVE CONTROL WATER

14
 For the Dry Algae process, using the electric weighing scale the researchers

gathered 150 grams of algae after washing thoroughly with tap water and let it dry for

about an hour, pounding it by the use of mortar. The researchers extracted 75 grams of

algae to be used in the treatments. During the Fresh Algae process, researchers collected

150 grams of algae after washing thoroughly with tap water, blended and pound using the

blender and mortar that resulted in 120 grams of extracted algae. In terms of applying the

treatment, the first application of the alternative fertilizer to the treatments started on day

46 of week 7 of propagating the Golden sedum and underwent thorough observation for a

week. The second application started on day 51 of week 8 that also underwent a thorough

observation. The researchers used the Dropper to apply accurate amount of extracted

algae to the cacti.

Data Collection Procedure

The rest of this chapter is organized as follows. First, the researchers let the

cactus/cacti omit to grow some roots. The identified samples are the same species and

were randomly selected. Second, the researchers asked permission to the principal or

head of institution to conduct the study. Third, the researchers brought the algae to the

Department of Agriculture to be tested using plant identification process. Fourth, the

researchers mixed the algae to the cacti according to the measurements per treatment.

Lastly, the researchers defined and determined the significant difference in the growth of

cacti after 14 days of exposure to the Dried and Fresh Green Algae (Enteromorpha

clathrata) in terms of the number of leaves, color, and length.

15
Data Analysis Procedure

Two-way ANOVA is used to analyze the difference between the means of more

than two groups (Bevans, 2020). The two-way ANOVA will help the researchers to

define and determine if the Green-Algae really affects the growth yield of cacti after a

month of exposure on it. And together with simple table analysis, the researchers were

able to present the data, which allows simpler interpretation of the data.

Documentation

Figure 1. Week 1 of Cacti Propagation

Figure 2. Week 3 of Cacti Propagation

16
 Figure 3. Week 5 of Cacti Propagation

Figure 4. First week of Algae Exposure to the Cacti

(Week 7)

Figure 5. Second Week of Algae Exposure to the Cacti

(Week 8)

17
Figure 6. Measuring the length of leaves sprouted

Figure 7. In terms of number of leaves sprouted

18
 Chapter IV

Results and Discussion

This chapter comprises the analysis, interpretation, discussion of the data and

results gathered from different variables using the Green Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata)

as an alternative bio-fertilizer on the propagation of Cacti (Golden sedum) on its growth

yield.

Table 1. The number of leaves that the cacti sprouted after 14 days of exposure to the
Dried Green Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata).
Dried Algae Mean
Treatment A 0 0 0 0 0 0
Treatment B 0 0 0 1 0 0.2
Treatment C 0 0 0 0 0 0
Negative Control 0 0 0 0 0 0
Positive Control 1 0 0 0 0 0.2

The tables shows the result in the dried green algae extraction, Treatment A, C

and Control A did not propagate at all which resulted with no mean. Treatment B

sprouted 1 leaf with the mean of 0.2, the same happens in Control B with 0.2 mean.

19
 Table 2. The length of leaves that sprouted after 14 days of exposure to the Dried Green
Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata)

Dried Algae Mean

Treatment A 0 0 0 0 0 0 cm
Treatment B 0 0 0 0.7 0 0.14 cm
Treatment C 0 0 0 0 0 0 cm
Negative Control 0 0 0 0 0 0 cm
Positive Control 0.4 0 0 0 0 0.08 cm
In the dried algae extraction, Treatment A, C and Control A (negative control which

is water) did not propagate at all which leads to 0 cm mean. Treatment B got the highest

mean with 0.14 cm, followed by the Control B (the commercial fertilizer) with the mean

of 0.08 cm. In terms of the color, there is no hint of changes observed in the whole

process.

Table 3. The number of leaves that the cacti sprouted after 14 days of exposure to Fresh
Green Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata).
Fresh Algae Mean
Treatment A 0 0 0 0 0 0
Treatment B 0 0 0 0 0 0
Treatment C 0 0 4 2 0 1.2
Negative Control 0 0 0 0 0 0
Positive Control 0 0 0 0 0 0

In the Fresh Algae extraction, Treatment A, B and Controls (A & B) did not

propagate at all, that resulted to no mean measured, while Treatment C propagated and

sprouted 6 leaves with the mean of 1.2.

Table 4. The number of leaves that the cacti sprouted after 14 days of exposure to Fresh
Green Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata).
20
 Fresh Algae Mean

Treatment A 0 0 0 0 0 0 cm

Treatment B 0 0 0 0 0 0 cm

Treatment C 0 0 0.5 0.4 0 0.18 cm

Negative Control 0 0 0 0 0 0 cm

Positive Control 0 0 0 0 0 0 cm

In the Fresh Algae extraction, Treatment A, B and Controls (A & B) did not

propagate at all which leads to 0 cm mean, while Treatment C got 0.18 cm mean. In

terms of the color, there is no hint of changes observed in the whole process.

ANOVA
Source of
Variation SS df MS F P-value F crit
Sample 0.4802 1 0.4802 1.442042 0.236872 4.084746
Columns 2.6568 4 0.6642 1.994595 0.113856 2.605975
Interaction 3.1848 4 0.7962 2.390991 0.066749 2.605975
Within 13.32 40 0.333
Total 19.6418 49
Table 5. Two-way Analysis of Variance of Results (Dried Green Algae)

Significance of P-value

21
 The P-value is greater than the critical value. Therefore, we accepted H o for

sample. Which means, there is no significant difference in the growth of cacti after 14

days of exposure to the Dried Green Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata) in terms of the

number of leaves, color, and length.

ANOVA
Source of
Variation SS df MS F P-value F crit
Sample 0.0242 1 0.0242 0.52381 0.473433 4.084746
Columns 0.1128 4 0.0282 0.61039 0.657541 2.605975
Interaction 0.2568 4 0.0642 1.38961 0.254917 2.605975
Within 1.848 40 0.0462
Total 2.2418 49
Table 6. Two-way Analysis of Variance of Results (Fresh Green Algae)

Significance of P-value

The P-value is greater than the critical value. Therefore, we accepted H o for

sample. Which means, there is no significant difference in the growth of cacti after 14

days of exposure to the Fresh Green Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata) in terms of the

number of leaves, color, and length.

Discussion

The results in the dry green algae extraction showed that Treatment B with 3 mL

of dried algae extract was the most effective treatment that propagated one (1) leave with

0.14 cm length. Followed by the Positive Control/the commercial fertilizer which

sprouted 1 leave 0.08 cm in length. In terms of the color, there is no hint of changes

22
observed in the whole process. While in fresh green algae extraction showed that

Treatment C with 5 mL of fresh algae extract was the most effective treatment that

sprouted six (6) leaves with 0.18 cm in length, and there is no changes observed and

recorded in the whole process.

Based on the statistical analysis that indicates the data recorded in the study, there

is no significant difference in the growth of cacti after the Dry and Fresh Green Algae

(Enteromorpha clathrata) was applied as an alternative bio-fertilizer. A mean of 5 after 5

trials with different amount of algae in Treatments A, B and C with Negative and Positive

Controls was calculated. The results showed that fresh green algae extract sprouted more

leaves and length compared to the dry green algae extract. Generally, the Dry and Fresh

Green Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata) as a bio-fertilizer was extracted and tested its

capability to propagate a Golden Sedum.

CHAPTER V

Conclusion & Recommendation

23
Conclusion

1. The researchers concluded that Dry Green Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata) shows

no significant difference in the growth of cacti in terms of the number of leaves,

color, and length sprouted.

2. The researchers concluded that Fresh Green Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata)

shows no significant difference in the growth of cacti in terms of the number of

leaves, color, and length sprouted.

3. The researchers concluded that the Green Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata) is not

an effective alternative bio-fertilizer on propagating a cacti.

Recommendation

1. The researchers recommend the addition in days of exposure upon applying the

Green Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata) in the cacti to observed and determine its

growth appearance.

2. The researchers recommend the addition of the amount of Green Algae extract as

a fertilizer in a cacti (Golden Sedum) plant.

3. The researchers recommend to be careful in cutting the cacti from its main source

to avoid delays, numerous death and changes in the appearance of a cacti during

the growth process in propagating.

4. The researchers recommend to the future researchers to be discrete and keen in

observing and applying the fertilizer to avoid errors in the future.

References

24
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Bevans, R. (2020). An introduction to the two-way ANOVA.

https://www.scribbr.com/statistics/two-way-anova/

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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405580819303449

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 APPENDIX A

RAW DATA/ STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

28
 Table 1. The number of leaves that the cacti sprouted after 14 days of exposure to the
Dried Green Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata).
Dried Algae Mean
Treatment A 0 0 0 0 0 0
Treatment B 0 0 0 1 0 0.2
Treatment C 0 0 0 0 0 0
Negative Control 0 0 0 0 0 0
Positive Control 1 0 0 0 0 0.2

Table 2. The length of leaves that sprouted after 14 days of exposure to the Dried Green
Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata)

Dried Algae Mean

Treatment A 0 0 0 0 0 0 cm
Treatment B 0 0 0 0.7 0 0.14 cm
Treatment C 0 0 0 0 0 0 cm
Negative Control 0 0 0 0 0 0 cm
Positive Control 0.4 0 0 0 0 0.08 cm
Table 3. The number of leaves that the cacti sprouted after 14 days of exposure to Fresh
Green Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata).
Fresh Algae Mean
Treatment A 0 0 0 0 0 0
Treatment B 0 0 0 0 0 0
Treatment C 0 0 4 2 0 1.2
Negative Control 0 0 0 0 0 0
Positive Control 0 0 0 0 0 0

Table 4. The number of leaves that the cacti sprouted after 14 days of exposure to Fresh
Green Algae (Enteromorpha clathrata).

29
 Fresh Algae Mean

Treatment A 0 0 0 0 0 0 cm

Treatment B 0 0 0 0 0 0 cm

Treatment C 0 0 0.5 0.4 0 0.18 cm

Negative Control 0 0 0 0 0 0 cm

Positive Control 0 0 0 0 0 0 cm

Table 5. Two-Way Analysis of Variance of Results (Dried Green Algae)

ANOVA
Source of
Variation SS df MS F P-value F crit
Sample 0.4802 1 0.4802 1.442042 0.236872 4.084746
Columns 2.6568 4 0.6642 1.994595 0.113856 2.605975
Interaction 3.1848 4 0.7962 2.390991 0.066749 2.605975
Within 13.32 40 0.333
Total 19.6418 49

ANOVA
Source of
Variation SS df MS F P-value F crit
Sample 0.0242 1 0.0242 0.52381 0.473433 4.084746
30
 Columns 0.1128 4 0.0282 0.61039 0.657541 2.605975
Interaction 0.2568 4 0.0642 1.38961 0.254917 2.605975
Within 1.848 40 0.0462
Total 2.2418 49

Table 6. Two-way Analysis of Variance of Results (Fresh Green Algae)

31
 APPENDIX B
CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Mary Carmelli Avelino

32
Age: 18 years old
Strand: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
School: Capiz National High School

Address: Brgy. Lanot, Roxas City

Father’s Name: N/A

Mother’s Name: May Avelino

Social Media Account: Mary Carmelli Avelino

Email: [email protected]

Name: Angela Taping

Age: 18 years old
Strand: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
School: Capiz National High School

Address: Brgy. Mongpong, Roxas City

Father’s Name: Audie P. Taping Sr.

Mother’s Name: Sonia A. Taping

Social Media Account: Angela Taping

Email: [email protected]

Name: Jhun Mark Deocampo

33
Age: 17 years old

Strand: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

School: Capiz National High School

Address: Brgy. Cogon, Roxas City

Father’s Name: N/A

Mother’s Name: Medalyn Deocampo

Social Media Account: Jhun Mark Deocampo

Email: [email protected]

Name: Vince Andrie Marcelino

Age: 18 years old
Strand: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
School: Capiz National High School

Address: Real Street, Roxas City

Father’s Name: Vic Marcelino

Mother’s Name: Nelisa Marcelino

Social Media Account: Vince Andrie Alejaga Marcelino

Email: [email protected]

Name: Ramon Rafael V. Lachica

34
Age: 18 years old
Strand: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
School: Capiz National High School

Address: Bayot Drive, Roxas City

Father’s Name: Normie C. Lachica

Mother’s Name: Rizza V. Lachica

Social Media Account: Ramon Rafael Lachica

Email: [email protected]

Name: Rix Deado

Age: 18 years old
Strand: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
School: Capiz National High School

Address: Brgy. Barra, Roxas City

Father’s Name: Richard C. Deado

Mother’s Name: Roxan M. Deado

Social Media Account: Rix B. Deado

Email: [email protected]

35