Growth Performance of Alugbati (Basella rubra) in different treatments with the use of

Fertilizer

Introduction

Alugbati (Basella rubra) also known as Ceylon spinach, Malabar spinach, Indian
spinach, climbing spinach (Eng.) is one of the most popular indigenous leafy vegetables
in the Philippines. Originally from India, it is usually found in settled areas, in hedges,
old cultivated areas, etc., throughout the Philippines. It is extensively grown in market
gardens and home gardens and is being sold even in supermarkets in Visayas and
Mindanao. It is also cultivated in tropical Asia, Africa, and Malaysia.

Its leaves are somewhat fleshy, ovate, or heart shaped. The fruit is fleshy and
stalkless, which turns purple when mature. The young stems, shoots, and leaves are
usually blanched. The edible species Basella rubra has red flowers and bright purple-
red stems while Basella alba, which is more popular, has green leaves and stems.
Alugbati production in 2006 was 32,303 tons (t) from 2,482 hectares (ha). It is grown
almost anywhere, but major producers were Iloilo, Zamboanga del norte, and Negros
Oriental (Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, 2009).

Alugbati grows well under full sunlight in hot, humid climates

Objectives:

 To determine the growth of Alugbati (Basella rubra)

 To evaluate the growth of Alugbati (Basella rubra) according to roots and
the leaves
 To recommend the best fertilizer that suit to Alugbati (Basella rubra)
Treatments:

T1 – 100% Topsoil

T2 – 75% Humus + 25% Topsoil

T3 – 100%Topsoil + 5 grams of SA-50 Controlled-Release Fertilizer 14-14-14

SA-50 Controlled-Release Fertilizer 14-14-14 is a "constant-feed" fertilizer that last for 3

months.. SA-50 Controlled-Release Fertilizer 14-14-14 is basically unaffected by
watering because the nutrient release is affected only by change in soil temperature.
The release rate of each fertilizer prill increases as the soil warms, and decreases as
the soil cools, Applications of this fertilizer provide continuous metering of Nitrogen,
Phosphorous, and Potassium to the plant. This eliminates the feast or famine
associated with conventional soluble fertilizers, and helps insure an ideal level of
nutrients for optimum plant nutritiontherefore corresponding to plant growth needs
(Boone, 2009).

TOMATOES, PEPPER, and OTHER VEGETABLE TRANSPLANTS: When planting,

apply 3 to 5 teaspoons under each well root transplant, then water. If reapplication is
necessary, surface apply 5 teaspoons of controlled-release fertilizer per plant.
Materials and Methods

Location and duration of the study

This experiment was conducted at Fd. Rd 4 Sto.Tomas Davao Del Norte at Redillas
residence, from November 1st week up to December 2nd week.

Experimental design and treatment

This study was laid out using Completely Randomized Sampling (CRD) with three (3)
treatments and replicated three (3) times. There were three (3) samples per
experimental unit for a total of 9 sample plants.

The treatments were as follows:

T1 – 100% Topsoil

T2 – 75% Humus + 25% Topsoil

T3 – 100%Topsoil + 5 grams of Atlas Fertilizer 14-14-14

Selection of pot planting site

The experimental site was provided with a 70% shaded net-proofing for protection
against rainfall and direct sunlight.

Cultural Management Practices

Preparation of the area

The experimental area was placed in a small pot using shovel and was provided
by water to make the soil’s moisture.

Selection of stalks

Stalk

Watering and weeding

 The plants were watered in the morning and late afternoon to provide enough
moisture for growth and development of the plant. Weeding was done by using only a
hand, picking those weeds that grow.

Pest and disease control

Application of detergent mixed with water and spraying the stalks of alugbati to
make sure that there are no pest that can disturb the plants.

Data Gathered

Plant height (cm)

The plant height was obtained by taking measure of the height of the 3 plants per
treatment replication and it was expressed on centimeters. Measurement was taken
from top of soil up to the shoot. Measurements was done…

Number of Leaves (cm)

This was obtained by counting the total number of leaves of 3 plants per treatment per
replication. Gathering of data was done…

Length of Leaves (cm)

This was obtained by measuring the fully expanded leaf using ruler of the three plants
per treatment per replication. Measurement was done …

Width of Leaves (cm)

This was taken by measuring the central horizontal portion of the fully expanded leaf of
three plants per treatment per replication using ruler and it was expressed in
centimeters.

Measurement was done 30, 60 and 90 DAP.

Stem Diameter (cm)

This was obtained by taking the stem diameter of ten randomly selected plants in each
experiment plot. Measuring was done at the middle portion of the stem using Verneir
caliper and it was expressed by centimeters. Gathering of data was done 30, 60, 90
DAP.

Leaf Color
This was determined by using leaf color chart strips for comparison and taken from five
sample plants in the middle portion of the fully expanded leaf per treatment per
replication. This was obtained on the termination period.

Root length (cm)

This was determining the root length of cacao seedlings taken from five sample plants
per treatment per replication from the base of the seedlings to top of the root. This was
obtain on the termination period

Fresh Weight (g)

This was refers to the average fresh weight of five sample plants per treatment per
replication using weighing scale and it was expressed in grams. This was done during
the termination period.

Dry Weight (g)

This was done by sun-drying for 5 days and oven drying for 6 hours, and it was weighed
using digital weighing scale and expressed in grams. This was done after termination of
the study

Economic Analysis

This was getting the Return Production Cost (RPC) using the following formula:

Net Income

RPC = x 100

Total Production Cost

Statistical Analysis

Data gathered was analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the
differences among treatments means was computed using Honest Significant
Difference (HSD) at 5% level of significance.