SAINT MARTINS UNIVERSITY

The Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Gro th and !e"elo#$ent of Carica papaya %&

Rosar' Faleono Ma' () *++, Senior Se$inar II Final !raft

Ta-le of .ontents Abstract..pg. 2 Introductionpg. 2 - 6 Materials and Methods...pg. 6 - 8 Seed Management...pg. 6 - 7 Application of rganic and Inorganic !ertili"er.pg. 8 Measurements and #ata Anal$sis pg. % &esults.pg. % - 1' #iscussionpg. 1' -16 Ac(no)ledgments...pg. 16 - 17 *iterature +ited...pg. 18

A/STRA.T ,he fre-uent use of fertili"ers is important for the production of agriculture around the )orld toda$. Carica papaya *. is a tropical fruit plant. a )idel$ consumed agricultural product for its production of papa$a fruit. I h$pothesi"ed that organic fertili"er applied on a )ee(l$ basis )ould generate a faster gro)th rate in /ra"ilian Sunshine papa$a plants compared to inorganic fertili"er. I used Miracle-0ro1 2ater Soluble All 3urpose 3lant !ood as the inorganic fertili"er and Alas(a !ish 4mulsion as the organic fertili"er. ,he control group )as treated )ith tap )ater. ,he gro)th rates )ere measured after germination for a total of four )ee(s. 2hen all data had been collected. I used Anal$sis of 5ariance tests to compare the gro)th rates and de6elopment of leaf )idth. leaf length. and stem height among the inorganic. organic. and )ater treatments. M$ results did not sho) significant differences among the gro)th and de6elopment of papa$a plants treated )ith )ater. organic fertili"er. or inorganic fertili"er. Also. there )ere no differences in the gro)th and de6elopment of the papa$a plants bet)een the use of either fertili"er or )ater. All the papa$a plants steadil$ increased in si"e.

INTRO!U.TION Carica papaya *.. commonl$ (no)n as papa$a in the 7nited States is a large. )ood$. fruit-bearing plant belie6ed to ha6e originated either from +entral America or southern Me8ico. 3apa$as are onl$ found in places )here the )eather is )arm. appro8imatel$ 229+ to 269+. and are located in e6er$ tropical and subtropical region around the )orld. 3apa$as are famous for their fruit. also called papa$a. that are pear-shaped and taste some)hat li(e cantaloupe. ,here are man$ t$pes of papa$a. :omestead Selection papa$a. Solo *ine 8 papa$a. and /ra"ilian Sunshine papa$a are ;ust a fe) members of the papa$a famil$ <#edolph. 1%62= Ai$elaagbe et al..

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1%8?@. ,here )as no particular reason )h$ I decided to use /ra"ilian Sunshine papa$a other than the fact that it germinates in a matter of a fe) )ee(s under proper care. ,he fre-uent use of fertili"ers is an important part of agricultural production around the )orld <+hand et al.. 2AA6@. !or se6eral $ears. ma;or crop producers ha6e preferred the use of inorganic fertili"ers due to its high $ield in crop producti6it$. :o)e6er. long-term applications of inorganic fertili"ers ha6e caused a noticeable decrease in crop producti6it$ and an increase in pollution around its surrounding en6ironment <+hand et al., 2AA6@. &ecentl$. man$ agricultural companies ha6e shifted from using inorganic fertili"ers to organic fertili"ers <*uo et al., 2AA6@. A stud$ )as conducted to determine the $ield responses and leaf nutrient concentrations broiler chic(en manure had on lima bean production <*uo et al., 2AA6@. ,)o fertili"ers )ere testedB organic broiler manure </M@ and inorganic ammonium nitrate <AC@. #uring the first $ear. both fertili"ers )ere applied all at once )ith no further applications of fertili"ers for that $ear. n the second $ear. /M treatments )ere applied onl$ once and AC treatments )ere split

into three separate. but e-ual applications. Along )ith the fertili"ers. )ater )as also applied to the lima beans b$ the use of an o6erhead sprin(ler. After the 2-$ear period. the crops )ere har6ested and lima bean $ield )as determined. &esults from the stud$ sho)ed 6ariance in leaf nutrient concentrations. but fresh pod $ields )ere an e-ual amount or higher )ith /M treatment than AC treatment <*uo et al., 2AA6@. ,hese results )ere similar to those from pre6ious studies )ith the same fertili"ers on s)eet corn. cabbage. and forages. )hich are crops gro)n to feed li6estoc(. #ue to the lo) $ield production of agriculture )ith the use of organic manures. the application of organic fertili"ers )ith little or no fossil fuel-based inorganic fertili"ers is rapidl$ gaining fa6or <An)ar et al., 2AA?@. In 2AA?. An)ar et al. studied the effect of a combination of

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organic manures and inorganic fertili"ers on the gro)th and -ualit$ of essential oil of 4uropean and &eunion basil crops. ,here )ere si8 treatments <,@ used to gro) the basil crops. ,1 )as the control consisting of onl$ )ater= ,2 )as the farm $ard manure <!DM@= ,> )as the 6ermicompost. an organic fertili"er consisting of a mi8ture of partiall$ decomposed organic )aste. bedding. and )orm castings= ,' )as the inorganic fertili"er. a standard mi8ture of nitrogen. phosphorous. and potassium <C3E@= ,? )as a combination of !DM and C3E fertili"er= and ,6 )as a combination of 6ermicompost and C3E fertili"er. ,he setup )as a randomi"ed bloc( design <&/#@ )ith four replications of each plant. ,he treatments consisting of !DM. 6ermicompost. and C3E fertili"er alone )ere applied to the soil before planting. ,he t)o combination treatments )ere applied t)ice. once at the time of planting and an e-ual amount )as applied a month after planting. After a period of > months. the crops )ere har6ested. ,he essential oil from each plant )as e8tracted. and fresh )eights )ere recorded in each plot. &esults sho)ed that the application of ,2 thru ,6 sho)ed a significant increase in fresh )eight. dr$ matter. and oil $ield in the basil crop o6er the control <,1@. ,he application of !DM alone sho)ed the lo)est increase o6er the control and the application of a combination of 6ermicompost )ith C3E fertili"er sho)ed the highest increase o6er the control follo)ed b$ the combination treatment of !DM and C3E fertili"er. Mean herb $ield of the plants gro)n )ith C3E fertili"er alone )as significantl$ higher than the treatments consisting of either of the organic manures applied alone. :o)e6er. each of the combination treatments resulted in greater fresh )eight $ield and dr$ matter $ield than the organic or inorganic fertili"ers alone. 3re6ious studies conducted b$ 3atra et al. <2AAA@ and +hand et al. <2AA1@ also reported similar results in menthol mint crops. At the end of the stud$. An)ar et al. <2AA?@ concluded that the application

of organic manure. combined )ith a minimum dose of inorganic fertili"er. )as better than inorganic fertili"er or organic manure alone for $ield. nutrient upta(e. and -ualit$ of basil. A similar field e8periment )as conducted b$ +hand et al. <2AA6@ on mint and mustard crops in subtropical India. ,he setup )as also similar. consisting of a &/# )ith 8 combination treatments composed of different ratios of !DM and inorganic fertili"er and replicated three times. ,1 )as the control. ,2 )as !DM alone. and ,> to ,8 )ere inorganic fertili"ers )ith different C3E <nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium@ ratios mi8ed )ith 6arious amounts of !DM. All treatments )ere applied continuousl$ to the crops for 7 $ears. !irst. the mint seeds )ere planted. immediatel$ follo)ed b$ irrigation. Irrigation )as then applied e6er$ 1A F 1? da$s <+hand et al., 2AA6@. :alf of each treatment )as applied at the time of planting. and the remaining half )as applied '8 da$s after planting. At maturit$. the crop )as har6ested and )eighed. #haincha. a )eed commonl$ gro)n in India to restore nitrogen to depleted soils. )as so)n and plo)ed do)n after '? da$s to allo) for its decomposition. Ce8t. mustard seeds )ere so)n and a full suppl$ of C3E fertili"er )as applied. ,he crop )as har6ested ' months later and )eighed. &esults from the e8periment sho)ed that the highest increase in dr$ matter )as in ,'. )hich )as C3E 1>>B'AB'A fertili"er mi8ed )ith an e-ual amount of !DM as in ,>. )ith an increase of %2.8G o6er the control <,1@. +hand et al. <2AA6@ concluded that a combination of organic manure and inorganic fertili"er increased the $ield and dr$ matter of mint and mustard crops. ,he purpose of m$ research stud$ )as to measure the effects of organic and inorganic fertili"ers on the gro)th and de6elopment of Carica papaya *. ,he plants )ere gro)n in a controlled en6ironment under )arm. moderate temperatures )ith three different treatments of fish manure. inorganic fertili"er. and )ater to promote plant gro)th. ,his e8periment e8amined

the rates at )hich the fertili"ers increased the gro)th of papa$a plants. I h$pothesi"ed that the use of 1AA ml of organic fertili"er on /ra"ilian Sunshine papa$a plants on a )ee(l$ basis )ould generate faster gro)th compared to the application of 1AA ml of inorganic fertili"er or )ater. because pre6ious studies had concluded that organic manures mi8ed )ith little inorganic fertili"er increases the gro)th of agricultural products.

MATERIA%S AN! MET0O!S Seed Ac12ire$ent and Manage$ent 3apa$a plants are fast gro)ing. )ood$. tropical plants that produce flo)ers and fruits. 3apa$a plants are eas$ to gro) from seeds. producing mature fruit )ithin % - 12 months after so)ing <0onsal6es. 1%%8@. :o)e6er. papa$a fruit are sensiti6e to changes in climate. !ruit production can be affected b$ climatic factors such as drought and e8tremel$ cold or )arm temperatures <Ai$elaagbe et al., 1%86@. ,he plant itself is susceptible to changes in climate and can also be affected b$ drought or e8treme temperature changes. ,he papa$a seeds used for this stud$ )ere Carica papaya /ra"ilian Sunshine. ordered from ,rade 2inds !ruit (www.tradeswindsfruit.com/order.htm). ,hree greenhouses )ere constructed to house the papa$a seeds. and 2 tra$s )ere placed in each greenhouse to hold the runoff )ater. 4ach greenhouse contained t)o 'A )att fluorescent bulbs as a source of light and heat for the plants. ,he lights )ere placed 12 inches abo6e the plants so as not to cause e8cessi6e heat that might burn the seeds or plants. ,here )ere 6A replicates using thirt$ >2ounce transparent plastic cups per e8perimental group. ,ransparent cups )ere used to allo) obser6ation of root gro)th of the papa$a plants. 7sing small scissors. the bottom of each cup )as punctured )ith fi6e small holes about A.7 mm in diameter for )ater drainage from the soil.

4ach cup )as H filled )ith a soil made )ith a mi8ture of 1 part 6ermiculite and 1 part 0reensmi81 potting soil <2aupaca Corth)oods **+. 2aupaca. 2I@. 5ermiculite )as used in order to help the papa$a plants increase their absorption of moisture and nutrients )hen appl$ing the fertili"ers or )ater. ,he seeds )ere di6ided into three sampling units. )ith 6A seeds per groupB 1@ inorganic fertili"er. 2@ organic fertili"er. and >@ control group of )ater. ,he soil )as )armed o6ernight to raise the temperature of the soil to bet)een 189+->89+. because this )as the optimal range for successful papa$a gro)th <Alarcon et al.. 2AA2@. ,he ne8t da$. the temperatures )ere chec(ed )ith a digital thermometer. Coting that the soil in each cup had reached the desired temperature range. t)o seeds )ere planted in each cup. appro8imatel$ one inch into the soil. allo)ing room for root gro)th. I placed 1A transparent cups per e8perimental group. ? cups per tra$. in each greenhouse as sho)n in !igure 1. Inorganic rganic 2ater <+ontrol@
!igure 1. ,he positioning of the e8perimental groups in each greenhouse. ,his )as the order in )hich all the plants )ere set up in each greenhouse.

,he greenhouses )ere co6ered )ith large transparent garbage bags to trap the heat from the light fi8tures inside the greenhouses. I also turned the thermostat up in the lab to )arm the room to the minimumIma8imum temperatures of 2>.7I26.'9+. the optimal temperature range for papa$a gro)th. *ight from the light fi8tures )ere left for 2' hours per da$. I recorded the temperature of each greenhouse before appl$ing the fertili"ers and )ater to ma(e sure the greenhouse temperatures )ere )ithin the optimum range for papa$a gro)th.

A##lication of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer ,he inorganic fertili"er solution )as made )ith J teaspoon of Miracle-0ro1 2ater Soluble All 3urpose 3lant !ood <Scotts Miracle-0ro. Mar$s6ille. :@ containing 1? parts nitrogen to >A parts phosphorous to 1? parts potassium. or an C3E of 1?->A-1?. in 1* of )ater. ,he organic fertili"er solution )as made )ith 1 teaspoon of Alas(a !ish 4mulsion <*ill$ Miller /rands. 2alnut +ree(. +A@ )ith an C3E of ?-1-1 in 1* of )ater. ,he solutions )ere made in compliance )ith the manufacturerKs instructions. At the time of planting. 1AA ml inorganic fertili"er solution )as applied to each pot in the inorganic fertili"er e8perimental group. 1AA ml organic solution )as applied to each pot in the organic fertili"er e8perimental group. and 1AA ml tap )ater )as applied to each pot in the control group. !or the inorganic and control groups. treatments )ere applied )ee(l$. unli(e the organic group )ith treatment occurring e6er$ t)o )ee(s according to the manufacturerKs instructions. 2ater )as applied to the organic group e6er$ other )ee( )hen organic fertili"er )as not applied. ,he amount of )ater applied to the control group )as based on a stud$ that measured the re-uired a6erage 6alues of )ater needed for gro)th of the papa$a plant <Ai$elaagbe et al.. 1%8?@.

Meas2re$ents and !ata At the end of each )ee(. for a total of ' )ee(s. measurements )ere ta(en from each plant )ith a centimeter ruler. Measurements for leaf length started from )here the bottom of the leaf and the stem touched to the tip of the leaf. leaf )idth )as measured from the )idest part of the leaf. and stem height )as measured from the bottom of the stem ;ust abo6e the dirt to the closest branch of sprouting lea6es from the bottom. ,)el6e Anal$sis of 5ariance <AC 5A@ tests )ere run to compare the mean gro)th of leaf length. leaf )idth. and stem height among the

inorganic fertili"er. organic fertili"er. and control per )ee(. ,he AC 5A tests determined )hether there )ere statistical significant differences in gro)th among the > treatments per )ee(. If there )ere an$ significant differences in gro)th of leaf length. leaf )idth. or stem height for the e8perimental groups. then I used ,u(e$s multiple comparisons tests for further anal$sis of the data using Mini,ab <5ersion 1?.A. Lanuar$ 2AA7. Minitab Inc.. State +ollege. 3A@.

RESU%TS ,he rate of gro)th and de6elopment for the inorganic group. organic group. and control group )ere determined b$ a6eraging the measurements of leaf )idth. leaf length. and stem height of all the plants on a )ee(l$ basis. ,able 1 sho)s the mean gro)th for plants gro)n under inorganic fertili"er. organic fertili"er. and )ater treatments. Measurements of leaf )idth. leaf length. and stem height )ere ta(en after seed germination and each )ee( prior before fertili"ing or )atering the plants. At the first )ee(. 1' inorganic plants. 7 organic plants. and 1> control plants )ere measured. At )ee( t)o. 1' inorganic plants. 7 organic plants. and 1A control plants )ere measured. At )ee( three. 1? inorganic plants. % organic plants. and 1' control plants )ere measured. At )ee( four. 17 inorganic plants. 1A organic plants. and 17 control plants )ere measured. ,)el6e one-)a$ AC 5A tests )ere run to compare the gro)th of leaf )idth. leaf length. and stem height among the inorganic. organic. and )ater treatments per )ee(. ,u(e$s multiple comparison tests )ere used to further anal$sis m$ data.

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,able 1. Means of leaf )idth. leaf length. and stem height of Carica papaya M/ra"ilian SunshineK treated )ith inorganic and organic fertili"ers. and )ater. 5alues )ere determined based on gro)th per )ee( and not o6er time. #ata in this table is the same for the follo)ing figures.

Inorganic rganic +ontrol Inorganic rganic +ontrol Inorganic rganic +ontrol

2ee( 1 1.' 1.> 1.? 2ee( 1 1.% 1.7 2.A 2ee( 1 >.? >.? >.%

%eaf 3idth 2ee( 2 2.1 1.% 2.> %eaf %ength 2ee( 2 2.% 2.6 >.1 Ste$ 0eight 2ee( 2 '.A '.A '.'

2ee( > 2.% 2.8 >.1 2ee( > >.8 >.7 >.7 2ee( > '.2 >.% '.A

2ee( ' >.> >.> >.2 2ee( ' '.A '.1 >.7 2ee( ' '.> '.A '.A

!igure 2 sho)s the mean si"e and standard de6iation at the first )ee( of measurements. 4ach bar represents the gro)th of each e8perimental group for the three parameters that )ere measured. 0ro)th obtained from the inorganic fertili"er group. organic fertili"er group. and control group using a ,u(e$s multiple comparisons test sho)ed no significant differences for leaf )idth <! N A.?7= d.f. N 2= 3 N A.?7A@. leaf length <! N A.%%= d.f. N 2= 3 N A.>7'@. and stem height <! N 2.12= d.f. N 2= 3 N A.1>8@.

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Week 1
4.5 4 f 3.5 Plant growth (cm) 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Leaf Width Leaf Length Stem Height norganic !rganic "ontro#

!igure 2. ,he measurements of papa$a leaf )idth. leaf length. and stem height obtained from inorganic. organic. and )ater treatments. 4ach bar represents the a6erage gro)th of leaf )idth. leaf length. and stem height for the first )ee( of measurements. ,here )ere 1' plants measured in the inorganic group. 7 plants in the organic group. and 1> plants in the control group. 4ach error bar represents one standard de6iation from the mean.

!igure > sho)s the mean si"e and standard de6iation during the second )ee( of measurements. ,he graph sho)s that leaf )idth. leaf length. and stem height increased from the first )ee(. 0ro)th obtained from the inorganic fertili"er group. organic fertili"er group. and control group using a ,u(e$s multiple comparisons test sho)ed no significant differences for leaf )idth <! N 1.7%= d.f. N 2= 3 N A.17A@. leaf length <! N 1.2'= d.f. N 2= 3 N A.2%2@. and stem height <! N 1.1A= d.f. N 2= 3 N A.>'6@.

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Week 2
5 4.5 d Plant growth (cm) 4 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Leaf Width Leaf Length Stem Height norganic !rganic "ontro#

!igure >. ,he measurements of papa$a leaf )idth. leaf length. and stem height obtained from inorganic. organic. and )ater treatments. 4ach bar represents the a6erage gro)th of leaf )idth. leaf length. and stem height for the second )ee( of measurements. ,here )ere 1' plants measured in the inorganic group. 7 plants in the organic group. and 1A plants in the control group. 4ach error bar represents one standard de6iation from the mean.

!igure ' sho)s the mean si"e and standard de6iation during the third )ee( of measurements. ,he graph sho)s that )hile leaf )idth and leaf length ha6e continued to increase in gro)th. there is a slight decrease in gro)th for stem height. 0ro)th obtained from the inorganic fertili"er group. organic fertili"er group. and control group using a ,u(e$s multiple comparisons test sho)ed no significant differences for leaf )idth <! N A.'2= d.f. N 2= 3 N A.6?6@. leaf length <! N A.11= d.f. N 2= 3 N A.8%7@. and stem height <! N A.>'= d.f. N 2= 3 N A.712@.

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Week 3
5 4.5 f Plant growth (cm) 4 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Leaf Width Leaf Length Stem Height norganic !rganic "ontro#

!igure '. ,he measurements of papa$a leaf )idth. leaf length. and stem height obtained from inorganic. organic. and )ater treatments. 4ach bar represents the a6erage gro)th of leaf )idth. leaf length. and stem height for the third )ee( of measurements. ,here )ere 1? plants measured in the inorganic group. % plants in the organic group. and 1' plants in the control group. 4ach error bar represents one standard de6iation from the mean.

!igure ? sho)s the mean si"e and standard de6iation during the fourth )ee( of measurements. ,he graph sho)s that leaf length and stem height are in the same measurements )ith each other sho)ing the same mean gro)th during this last )ee(. :o)e6er. gro)th obtained from the inorganic fertili"er group. organic fertili"er group. and control group using a ,u(e$s multiple comparisons test sho)ed no significant differences for leaf )idth <! N A.1'= d.f. N 2= 3 N A.868@. leaf length <! N A.62= d.f. N 2= 3 N A.?'A@. and stem height <! N A.61= d.f. N 2= 3 N A.?'6@.

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Week 4
5 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Leaf Width Leaf Length Stem Height i Plant growth (cm)

norganic !rganic "ontro#

!igure ?. ,he measurements of papa$a leaf )idth. leaf length. and stem height obtained from inorganic. organic. and )ater treatments. 4ach bar represents the a6erage gro)th of leaf )idth. leaf length. and stem height for the fourth )ee( of measurements. ,here )ere 17 plants measured in the inorganic group. 1A plants in the organic group. and 17 plants in the control group. 4ach error bar represents one standard de6iation from the mean.

!IS.USSION M$ h$pothesis )as that the use of organic fertili"er )ill contribute to faster gro)th and de6elopment of papa$a plants than the use of inorganic fertili"er or )ater. because it does not contain harmful chemicals and is health$ for the plants. :o)e6er. the results of m$ research did not sho) an$ significant differences among the gro)th and de6elopment of plants treated )ith )ater. organic fertili"er. or inorganic fertili"er. Also. there )ere no differences in the gro)th of the papa$a plants bet)een the use of either fertili"er and the use of )ater. Since p-6alues for each )ee( )as greater than A.A?. I re;ected m$ null h$pothesis. ,here )as a noticeable trend in m$ data that all papa$a plants steadil$ increased in gro)th. An important factor to consider )as the successful germination of papa$a seeds. because of the fre-uent failures of papa$a seed germination in greenhouse and laborator$ e8periments <*ange. 1%61@. Sa)ant <1%?8@ studied lo) temperatures. appro8imatel$ '.'9+ and

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belo). are lethal to papa$a species. ,he )eather conditions here in *ace$. 2ashington during the time of the e8periment )ere not fa6orable for papa$a gro)th. Although the plants )ere gro)n indoors. the temperature of the lab )as maintained at the optimal temperature range bet)een 18->89+ for the sur6i6al of the plants. ,he most ob6ious reason )h$ m$ h$pothesis )as re;ected is that there is no difference bet)een the use of organic and inorganic fertili"ers or that organic fertili"er is not better than inorganic fertili"er for faster gro)th of papa$a plants. So. for future e8periments. I recommend testing different t$pes of organic and inorganic fertili"ers. rganic manures li(e broiler manure.

farm$ard manure. )ood ash. and bone-meal could be used for organic fertili"er to test )hich one is best for papa$a gro)th. Inorganic fertili"ers )ith different C3E ratios could also be used to test gro)th of papa$a plants to see )hich one )or(s best for faster gro)th. I also recommend testing different 6arieties of papa$a to test )hich one gro)s faster. I also recommend e8panding the time of the e8periment bet)een 6 to % months. instead of a short period of 8 )ee(s. ,he data might sho) different results in papa$a gro)th. Also. the producti6it$ of fruit could pla$ a ma;or role in determining )hich treatments $ield the highest dr$ )eight of papa$a fruit. Instead of starting measurements )hen the first lea6es had de6eloped. germination of the seeds should be measured first to (eep trac( of the first plants that sprouted. I recommend measuring the leaf )idth and leaf length on each plant as I did in the later part of m$ e8periment rather than in earlier measurements )hen I measured the leaf length of all the lea6es first. then )ent bac( to measure leaf )idth. ,here are se6eral )a$s to maintain the producti6it$ of agriculture. ,he use of fertili"ers. inorganic and organic ali(e. pla$ a ma;or role in the production of agriculture )orld)ide <+hand et al.. 2AA6@. :o)e6er. the use of inorganic fertili"er on crops o6er a period of se6eral $ears

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ma$ cause long-term damage to the agriculture and the surrounding econom$ <+hand et al.. 2AA6@. rganic fertili"er is rapidl$ gro)ing in fa6or. because it pro6ides and rec$cles

supplemental nutrients to crops and its non-chemical components greatl$ reduces )aste products <*uo et al.. 2AA6@. ,he incorrect fertili"er on papa$a plants could lead to failure of germination or gro)th in laborator$ and greenhouse e8periments. or might not increase gro)th in the plants. ,his is the case for all plants. but the abilit$ of Carica papaya *. plants to gro) up to 12 feet tall in one $ear compliments its uni-ueness. ,hese e8otic. tropical plants are fast gro)ing producing fruit )ithin %-12 months after the seeds are planted <0onsal6es. 1%%8@. Cot man$ plants are (no)n to produce fruit or produce fruit in a matter of months. ,herefore. researching or testing the best fertili"er for faster gro)th of papa$a plants ma$ get $ou papa$a fruits sooner than later.

A.4NO3%E!GEMENTS I )ould li(e to gi6e special than(s to the follo)ing indi6iduals for there continued support and guidance during m$ senior research pro;ect. I )ould li(e to than( #r. Mar$ Lo :artman for helping me )ith m$ literature re6ie)s. editing m$ papers. anal$"ing m$ results. and also helping to put together m$ results for m$ final presentation. I )ould also li(e to than( #r. Margaret lne$ for helping me )ith -uestions concerning the maintenance of m$ plants. editing m$ papers. gi6ing much needed constructi6e criticism. and al)a$s (eeping a good attitude throughout the $ear. Much appreciation goes out to lab technician +her$l 0uglielmo for her helpful tips on soil and fertili"ers to use for m$ pro;ect and also for helping to order the lab e-uipment and papa$a seeds for m$ e8periment. I also than( m$ friends. SiKi 5ulangi and Agnes 7ti for escorting me to lab during the late night hours and for lending a helping hand to)ards

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treating m$ plants. *ast. but definitel$ not least. I )ould li(e to than( these special indi6iduals. 3elenita ,uKupo. Er$stle Antolin. Sothear Sam. and Son$a &amos for their much needed constructi6e criticism and guidance throughout the entire research process. I am grateful for these indi6iduals and appreciate all their help )ith much gratitude.

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%ITERATURE .ITE! Ai$elaagbe. I. . .. !a)usi. M. .A.. /abaloa. . 1%8?. 0ro)th. de6elopment and $ield of pa)pa) <Carica papaya *.@ M:omestead selectionK in response to soil moisture stress. Plant and Soil. %>B '27-'>?. Alarcon. A.. #a6ies. !.,.#. Lr.. 4gilla. L.C.. !o8. ,.+.. 4strada-*una. A.A.. !errera-+errato. &. 2AA2. Short term effects of Glomus claroideum and Azospirillum brasilense on gro)th and root acid phosphatase acti6it$ of Carica papaya *. under phosphorous stress. Revista Latinoamericana de Microbiologia. ''B >1->7. An)ar. M.. 3atra. #.#.. +hand. S.. Alpesh. E.. Ca-6i. A.A.. Ehanu;a. S.3.S. 2AA?. 4ffect of organic manures and inorganic fertili"er on gro)th. herb and oil $ield. nutrient accumulation. and oil -ualit$ of !rench basil. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. >6B 17>7-17'6. +hand. S.. An)ar. M.. 3atra. #.#. 2AA6. Influence of long-term application of organic and inorganic fertili"er to build up soil fertilit$ and nutrient upta(e in mint-mustard cropping se-uence. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. >7B 6>-76. #edolph. &.&. 1%62. 4ffect of ben"othia"ole-2-o8$acetate on flo)ering and fruiting of papa$a. Botanical Gazette. 12'B 77?-78. 0onsal6es. #. 1%%8. +ontrol of papa$a ringspot 6irus in papa$aB a case stud$. Annu. Rev. P ytopat ol. >6B '1?-'>7. *ange. A.:. 1%61. 4ffect of the sarcotesta on germination of Carica papaya. Botanical Gazette. 122B >A?->11. *uo. D.0.. Mucho6e;. &.M.. :anlon. 4.A. 2AA6. &esponse of lima bean to inorganic nitrogen and broiler manure sources and rates. Communications o! Soil Science and Plant Analysis. >7B ?87-6A> Minitab 1 &elease 1'.2A.2AA?. Minitab Inc. Khara. /.3.. :emmings. A.M.. /uttle. #.L.. 3earl. *.:. 1%%?. +r$stal structure of gl$c$l endopeptidase from Carica papayaB a c$steine endopeptidase of unusual substrate specificit$. Bioc emistry. >'B 1>1%A-1>1%?. Sa)ant. A.+. 1%?8. +rossing relationships in the Genus carica. "volution. 12B 26>-266.

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