GROWTH AND YIELD OF CUCUMBER (Cucumis sativus) AS AFFECTED

BY DIFFERENT ORGANIC FERTILIZER GROWN UNDER

USMARC KABACAN, COTABATO CONDITION

EMILYN B. RATILLA

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HORTICULTURE

JUNE 2019
GROWTH AND YIELD OF CUCUMBER (Cucumis sativus) IN RESPONSE
TO DIFFERENT ORGANIC FERTILIZERS GROWN UNDER
LINANGKOB, KIDAPAWAN CITY CONDITION

EMILYN B. RATILLA

A MASTER’S THESIS OUTLINE SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE

GRADUATE SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO,
KABACAN, COTABATO IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HORTICULTURE

MAY 2019
 TRANSMITTAL SHEET

The master’s thesis outline entitled “GROWTH AND YIELD OF

CUCUMBER (Cucumis sativus) IN RESPONSE TO DIFFERENT ORGANIC
FERTILIZERS GROWN UNDER USMARC, KABACAN, COTABATO
CONDITION”, prepared and submitted by EMILYN B. RATILLA, in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE IN
HORTICULTURE, is hereby accepted and endorsed:

NICOLAS A. TURNOS, Ph D.
Adviser

_________________________
Date
 APPROVAL SHEET

The master’s thesis outline entitled “GROWTH AND YIELD OF

CUCUMBER (Cucumis sativus) IN RESPONSE TO DIFFERENT ORGANIC
FERTILIZERS GROWN UNDER USMARC KABACAN, COTABATO”,
prepared and submitted by EMILYN B. RATILLA, in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HORTICULTURE,
has passed the standard set by the University of Southern Mindanao Graduate
School and has been successfully defended before this panel of examiners:

____________________________ _________________________
Member, Examining Committee Chairperson, Examining Committee

___________________________ ___________________________
Date Date

Accepted as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree

of MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HORTICULTURE.

CONSUELO A. TAGARO, Ed.D.

Dean, Graduate School

_________________________
Date
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Preliminary Page

Title Page ii

Transmittal Sheet iii

Approval Sheet iv

Table of Contents v

List of Tables viii

List of Figures ix

List of Appendices x

CHAPTER I- INTRODUCTION 1

Objectives of the Study 5

Significance of the study

Assumptions

Scope and Limitation

Time and Place of the Study

Operational Definition of Terms

CHAPTER II- REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is an important vegetable and one of

the most popular members of the cucurbitaceae family (Lower and Edwards,

1986; Thoa, 1998). It is thought to be one of the oldest vegetables cultivated

by man with historical records dating back 5,000 years (Wehner and Guner,

2004). The crop is the fourth most important vegetable after tomato, cabbage

and onion in Asia (Tatlioglu, 1993), the second most important vegetable crop

after tomato in Western Europe (Phu, 1997). In tropical Africa, its place has

not been ranked because of limited use. Fertile soils are used for the

cultivation of cucumber; infertile soils result in bitter and misshapen fruits

which are often rejected by consumers. Bush fallowing has been an efficient,

balanced and sustainable agricultural system for soil productivity and fertility

restoration in the tropics (Ayoola and Adeniran, 2006), but as a result of

increase in the population, the fallowing periods have decreased from ten

years to three years and this has had an adverse effect on the fertility

restoration leading to poor yields of crops. Therefore, the use of external

inputs in the form of farmyard manures and fertilizer has become imperative.

Farmyard manure has been used as a soil conditioner since ancient times and

its benefit have not been fully harnessed due to large quantities required in
order to satisfy the nutritional needs of crops (Makinde et al. 2007). The need

for renewable forms of energy and reduced cost of fertilizing crops, have

revived the use of organic manures worldwide (Ayoola and Adeniran, 2006).

Improvement in environmental conditions and public health are important

reasons for advocating increased use of organic materials (Ojeniyi, 2000;

Maritus and Vleic, 2001). However, because it is bulky, the cost of

transportation and handling constitute a constraint to its use by peasant

farmers.

Cucumbers come in three distinct types: seedless, seeded, and mini.

There are close to 100 varieties, but common ones include the English,

garden, Persian, mini, and lemon. The English cucumber is the longest, is

narrow, and is often marketed in a plastic wrap. The skin of English

cucumbers is thin and often does not require peeling. In contrast, the garden

cucumber has a dark waxy skin. The skin is normally removed by consumers

because of its bitter taste. Persian cucumbers are called burpless because

they tend to be smaller, sweeter, and seedless. The skin is smoother, thinner,

and, similar to the English variety, does not require peeling. These cucumbers

tend to be milder and easier on the digestive system. Kirby cucumbers are the

smallest. These mini cucumbers are becoming popular in the marketplace due

to consumer preferences. They have a wide variety of skin colors ranging from

yellow to dark green. Lemon cucumbers are round and yellow, resembling

lemons, but they are sweet, have thin skins, and contain seeds.
 The use of different chemical fertilizers has an effect in the increasing of

agricultural production. In spite of the high efficiency for chemical fertilizers,

modern trends , especially after the 1990s decade focused on the need to

reduce the use of chemical fertilizers because of their negative effect that

cause ecological and medical problems as well as the effect on the biological

varieties and properties of soil and water which considered one of the

purposes of organic agriculture is to produce plants that are free toxic effects

of chemical ,herbicides in addition to the production of clean plants (AL-

Rudhaiman and AL-Shenawi ;2005 ).Farmyard manure release nutrients

slowly and steadily and activates soil microbial biomass ( Ayuso et al.,1996;

Belay et al., 2001). Organic manures can sustain cropping systems through

better nutrient recycling and improvement of soil physical attributes (El-

Shakweer et al., 1998). The use of inorganic fertilizer has not been helpful

under intensive agriculture because of its high cost and it is often associated

with reduced crop yields, soil degradation, nutrient imbalance and acidity

(Kang and Juo, 1980;Obi and Ebo, 1995). It has been observed that addition

of manure increases the soil water holding capacity and this means that

nutrients would be made more available to crops where manures have been

added to the soil (Costa et al., 1991).

Fertile soils are used for the cultivation of cucumber; infertile soils result

in bitter and misshapen fruits which are often rejected by consumers. Bush

fallowing has been an efficient, balanced and sustainable agricultural system

for soil productivity and fertility restoration in the tropics (Ayoola and Adeniran,

2006), but as a result of increase in the population, the fallowing periods have

decreased from ten years to three years and this has had an adverse effect on

the fertility restoration leading to poor yields of crops. Therefore, the use of

external inputs in the form of farmyard manures and fertilizer has become

imperative. Farmyard manure has been used as a soil conditioner since

ancient times and its benefit have not been fully harnessed due to large

quantities required in order to satisfy the nutritional needs of crops (Makinde et

al. 2007). The need for renewable forms of energy and reduced cost of

fertilizing crops, have revived the use of organic manures worldwide (Ayoola

and Adeniran, 2006). Improvement in environmental conditions and public

health are important reasons for advocating increased use of organic materials

(Ojeniyi, 2000; Maritus and Vleic, 2001). However, because it is bulky, the cost

of transportation and handling constitute a constraint to its use by peasant

farmers. Farmyard manure release nutrients slowly and steadily and activates

soil microbial biomass ( Ayuso et al.,1996; Belay et al., 2001). Organic

manures can sustain cropping systems through better nutrient recycling and

improvement of soil physical attributes (El-Shakweer et al., 1998).

With this, the researcher intends to find the best organic fertilizer to

be used to enhance the growth of cucumber that would give satisfactory yield

to farmers. Thus, this study will be conducted.

 Objectives of the Study

1. To evaluate the effects of different organic fertilizers on the growth and yield
of cucumber grown under USMARC, Kabacan, Cotabato condition.

2. To identify the best organic fertilizer to increase the production of cucumber

3. To assess the cost and return analysis of growing cucumber on different

organic fertilizers.

Significance of the Study

The best quality cucumber is assured by adequate fertilizing, enough

supply of water and best temperature. The use of inorganic fertilizer has not
been helpful under intensive agriculture because of its high cost and is often
associated with reduced crop yields, soil degradation, nutrient imbalance and
acidity. Public health is also important reasons for advocating increase use of
organic fertilizers.

Therefore, it is important to evaluate the growth and yield of cucumber

in response to different organic fertilizers.

Assumptions of the study

It is assumed that different kinds of organic fertilizers are newly

manufactured. Only one type of cucumber will be used and will be subject to
same environmental condition.
 Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will be limited only to the evaluation of the growth and yield
response of cucumber applied with different organic fertilizers grown under
Kabacan, Cotabato condition in two months period. The effect of different
organic fertilizers will be compared.

Time and Place of the study

This study will be conducted at USMARC, Kabacan, Cotabato from

December to January 2018.

Operational Definition of terms

Control- refers to the treatment that is arranged so that some known cause of
variation is eliminated to reduced experimental errors.

Fertilizer- is any material of natural or synthetic origin that is applied to soils or

to plant tissues to supply one or more plant nutrients essential to the growth of
plants.

Germination- The emergence of a new plant from a seed, spore or pollen

grains.

Infestation- is the state of being invaded or overrun by pests or parasites. It

can also refer to the actual organisms living on or within a host.

Fertilizer- is a natural or synthetic, chemical-based substance that is used to

enhance plant growth and fertility. Fertilizers may also enhance water
retention and filter any excess liquid, hence enhancing soil effectiveness.
Fertilizers typically offer the three major macronutrients potassium,
phosphorus, and nitrogen
Organic fertilizer- is a plant fertilizer that is derived from organic sources.
Organic fertilizers can range from organic compost to cow manure, but they
must be derived from all-organic sources. Chicken droppings from an organic
farm would be considered an organic fertilizer. Additional examples of organic
fertilizer sources include kelp, guano, bone and blood meals, molasses, and
fish emulsions.

Cucumber- a long, green-skinned fruit with watery flesh, usually eaten raw in
salads or pickled, the climbing plant of the gourd family that yields this fruit,
native to the Chinese Himalayan region. It is widely cultivated but very rare in
the wild.

Organic matter- is any material that originates from living organisms.

Pest- a destructive insect or other animal that attacks crops, food, livestock,
etc.

Poultry manure- Poultry manure fertilizer contains all the essential nutrients
required for crop production, and its value as an organic fertilizer and a source
of plant nutrients has been recognized for centuries. Even with its beneficial
effects on plant growth, however, manure constitutes only a small percentage
of the nutrients applied to cropland when compared to commercial fertilizer.

Replication- refers to the treatment that appears more than once in an

experiment to provide a mean for estimating experimental errors.

Treatment- refers to the technique or substance and affected in specific

situation as experimental condition.

Vermicompost- is the product of the composting process using various

species of worms, usually red wigglers, white worms, and other earthworms,
to create a mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste, bedding
materials, and vermicast.
Vermicasting- refers to the waste produced by the worms. It is the end-product
of the breakdown of organic matter by earthworms.

Levels are the amount of Vermi-compost applied in holes.

DAP refer to days after planting.

Growth refers to the increase in length of vine and number of productive

cucumber plants.

Marketable fruits refer to the cucumber fruits without damage and are free
from physical defect.

Non-marketable fruits refer to the cucumber fruits that have been damaged by
insect pests and diseases and have physical defects.

Performance of maturity is the length of time from seedlings to last harvest of

cucumber fruit.

Yield refers to the amount of the harvested cucumber fruits in kilograms and
tons per hectare.

Weights of marketable fruits refer to the weight of cucumber fruits without

damage and are free from physical defect.
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Botanical Description

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is one of the most important members

of Cucurbitaceae family. It is one of the monoecious annual crops in the
Cucurbitaceous family that has been cultivated by man for over 3, 000 years).
The cucumber plant is a coarse, prostrate annual creeping vine that grows up
trellises or any other supporting frames, wrapping around ribbing with thin,
spiraling tendrils. The plant has large, prickly, hairy triangular leaves that form
a canopy over the fruit, and yellow flowers which are mostly either male or
female. The female flowers are recognized by the swollen ovary at the base,
which will become the edible fruit. With respect to economic importance, it
ranks fourth after tomatoes, cabbage and onion in Asia. These are widely
grown and consumed all over the world either raw or in pickled form.
Cucumbers are warm season plants and grow best between 65° to 75°F. The
plants do not tolerate prolonged exposure to temperatures below 55° or above
90°F.
Cucumbers are grown in either fields or green houses. Field grown
cucumber plants are typically started as seeds and are either mechanically or
hand planted. Many commercial operations train their plants to grow on poles
or trellises to keep the fruit suspended. Several training systems are used for
trellis growing, but the umbrella system is the most common. In the umbrella
system, all the lateral branches are removed as they appear until the main
stem reaches a predetermined height. The plant is then allowed to grow more
freely so the plant can concentrate on growing fruit, rather than height. Some
growers plant bush type varieties and allow the fruit to spread along the
ground. To accommodate different harvesting practices, field cucumbers
grown for the fresh or sliced market are spaced about 36 to 72 inches apart
versus eight to 10 inches for cucumbers grown for pickling.
In contrast to field grown cucumbers, greenhouse cucumbers are
normally established as transplants. Greenhouse cucumber plants have very
large leaves and grow vigorously. Each plant is provided five to seven square
feet of space and is always grown on a trellis. Greenhouse cucumbers require
close monitoring of nutrients to maintain good health and productivity.

The origin of cucumbers

The cucumber most likely originated in India (south foot of the

Himalayas), or possibly Burma, where the plant is extremely variable both
vegetative and in fruit characters. It has been in cultivation for at least 3000
years. From India the plant spread quickly to China, and it was reportedly
much appreciated by the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Romans used
highly artificial methods of growing the cucumber when necessary to have it
for the Emperor Tiberius out of season. Columbus brought the cucumber to
the New World, along with many other vegetables. He had them planted in
Haiti in 1494, and possibly on other islands. Most of the distinct types of
cucumber grown today were known at least 400 years ago. Present forms
range from thick, stubby little fruits, three to four inches long, up to the great
English greenhouse varieties that often reach a length of nearly two feet.
Nutritional and health values of the cucumber fruit

The nutritive value of 100 g of edible cucumber: Energy 12 cal Vitamin

A 45 IU Protein 0.6 g Vitamin B1 0.03 g Fat 0.1 g Vitamin B2 0.02 g
Carbohydrate 2.2 – 3.6 g Niacin (vitamin B3) 0.3 g Dietary fiber 0.5 g Vitamin
C 12 mg Calcium 14 mg Magnesium 15 mg Iron 0.3 mg Potassium 124 mg
Sodium 5 mg Phosphorus 24 mg zinc 0.2 mg. The high water content makes
cucumbers a diuretic and it also has a cleansing action within the body by
removing accumulated pockets of old waste material and chemical toxins.
Cucumbers help eliminate uric acid which is beneficial for those who
have arthritis, and its fiber-rich skin and high levels of potassium and
magnesium helps regulate blood pressure and help promote nutrient
functions. The magnesium content in cucumbers also relaxes nerves and
muscles and keeps blood circulating smoothly.

Growing requirements and habits of the plant

The cucumber responds like a semitropical plant. It grows best under

conditions of high temperature, humidity, and light intensity and with an
uninterrupted supply of water and nutrients. Under favorable and stable
environmental and nutritional conditions and when pests are under control, the
plants grow rapidly and produce heavily. The main stem, laterals, and tendrils
grow fast. They need frequent pruning to a single stem and training along
vertical wires to maintain an optimal canopy that intercepts maximum light and
allows sufficient air movement. Under optimal conditions, more fruit may
initially develop from the axil of 4 each leaf than can lat er be supported to full
size, so fruit may need thinning. Plants allowed to bear too much fruit become
exhausted, abort fruit, and fluctuate widely in productivity over time. Excessive
plant vigor is indicated by: rapid growth, thick and brittle stems large leaves,
long tendrils, deep green foliage, profusion of fruit, and large, deep yellow
flowers.
On the other hand, cucumbers are very sensitive to unfavorable
conditions, and the slightest stress affects their growth and productivity.
Because fruit develops only in newly produced leaf axils, major pruning may
be needed to stimulate growth. The removal of entire weakened laterals is
more effective than snipping back their tips.

Seed germination

Seeds germinate and emerge in three days under optimum conditions.

During this time seed coat remains tight. Once cotyledons emerge, roots
develop quickly. Sunlight delivers photosynthates to true leaves and root
system. During the 1st week cotyledons integrity is very important, and if
damaged, plants will set back. Seedlings may recover but they will be weak
and susceptible to stresses. For proper germination, soil temperature must be
above 15°C (60°F). If the soil is too cold and wet poor seedling emergence will
take place.

Planting of cucumber

Cucumbers growth season is relatively short, lasting 55-60 days for

field-grown varieties, and over 70 days for greenhouse varieties. Cucumbers
are almost always direct seeded. Like most cucurbits, they do not transplant
well and transplant costs would be hard to recover. Planting depth is 2.5-4 cm
(1-1.5 inches). Too deep delays emergence. Pickling cucumbers have to be
very precise on planting dates so that harvest will coincide with processor
needs.
 For early crop, container-grown transplants are planted when daily
mean soil temperatures have reached 15°C (60°F) but most cucumbers are
direct seeded. Early plantings should be protected from winds with hot caps or
row covers. Growing on plastic mulch can also enhance earliness.

Spacing of cucumber

Planting spacing depend on the growth method, variety and harvesting

method. Close spacing increases yields, provides more uniform maturity and
reduces weed problems. It also results in shorter fruit with a lighter color. On
the other hand, high plant population requires more seeds and slightly higher
fertilizer rates.

Soil requirement

Cucumbers prefer light textured soils that are well drained, high in organic
matter and have a pH of 6 - 6.8. Adapted to a wide-range of soils, but will
produce early in sandy soils. Cucumbers are fairly tolerant to acid soils (down
to pH 5.5).

Nutrient Requirements

Cucumbers have low nitrogen requirements, but they need high potassium

and high phosphorus levels. With commercial fertilizer formulas, this means

the first of the three numbers on the package should be much lower than the
other two. Knowing your soil type helps determine how much and what

nutrients your cucumbers need. Sandy soils leach vital substances and

become nutrient-poor quickly. Heavy soils can lock nutrients up. Adding

compost before planting improves most garden soil. The organic matter

enriches light sandy soils and lightens heavy clay soils.

Well-aged compost is the best source of nutrients for cucumbers.
Compost only has 2 percent nitrogen, and it releases slowly over many years.
Compost won't cause runaway vegetative growth at the expense of fruit.
Instead, it adds nutrient reserves that stay available in soil long term. Compost
can be applied yearly as mulch or worked into your soil without causing
excess nutrient buildup. It also supplies phosphorus, potassium and
micronutrients that cucumbers need. Compost mulch also helps keep down
competition from weeds, so cucumbers get soil nutrients.

Trellising

Cucumber vines can be trained on trellises to save space and improve yield
and fruit quality. But the high cost of trellising makes commercial production by
this method uneconomical in most cases. Greenhouse cucumbers must be
trellised, because the long fruit bend if they rest on the ground.

Harvesting

Cucumber crop matures within 40 - 50 days and harvesting starts 45 - 55 days

after planting. Harvest during summer to early fall depending on planting time,
and variety. Unless an once-over mechanical harvester is being used, mainly
for the pickling industry, fresh consumption cucumbers should be harvested at
2-4 day intervals, when the fruits have reached desired size, to avoid losses
from oversized and over-mature fruit.

Organic fertilizers

Cucumbers have low nitrogen requirements, but they need high

potassium and high phosphorus levels. With commercial fertilizer formulas,
this means the first of the three numbers on the package should be much
lower than the other two. Knowing your soil type helps determine how much
and what nutrients your cucumbers need. Sandy soils leach vital substances
and become nutrient-poor quickly. Heavy soils can lock nutrients up. Adding
compost before planting improves most garden soil. The organic matter
enriches light sandy soils and lightens heavy clay soils. Well-aged compost is
the best source of nutrients for cucumbers. Compost only has 2 percent
nitrogen, and it releases slowly over many years. Compost won't cause
runaway vegetative growth at the expense of fruit. Instead, it adds nutrient
reserves that stay available in soil long term. Compost can be applied yearly
as mulch or worked into your soil without causing excess nutrient buildup. It
also supplies phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients that cucumbers need.
(https://www.hunker.com/13427375/what-is-the-best-fertilizer-for-cucumbers)

Farmyard manure has been used as a soil conditioner since ancient

times and its benefit have not been fully harnessed due to large quantities
required in order to satisfy the nutritional needs of crops (Makinde 2007). The
need for renewable forms of energy and reduced cost of fertilizing crops, have
revived the use of organic manures worldwide (Ayoola and Adeniran,2006).
Improvement in environmental conditions and public health are important
reasons for advocating increased use of organic materials (Ojeniyi, 2000;
Maritus and Vleic, 2001) Farmyard manure release nutrients slowly and
steadily and activates soil microbial biomass (Ayuso 1996 and Belay 2001).
Organic manures can sustain cropping systems through better nutrient
recycling and improvement of soil physical attributes (El-Shakweer 1998).

The use of inorganic fertilizer has not been helpful under intensive
agriculture because of its high cost and it is often associated with reduced
crop yields, soil degradation, nutrient imbalance and acidity (Kang and Juo,
1980; Obi and Ebo, 1995).

Chicken dung

Chicken manure is preferred amongst other animal wastes because of

its high concentration of macro-nutrients (Warman, 1986; Duncan, 2005). For
example, Chescheir et al. (1986) found increase in nitrogen levels from 40 -
60% and 17 - 38% with respect to control for sandy soils and sandy loam soils,
respectively following application of manure. In addition, application of chicken
manure to soil enhances concentration of water soluble salts in soil. Plants
absorb plant nutrients in the form of soluble salts, but excessive accumulation
of soluble salts (or soil salinity) suppresses plant growth. Stephenson et al.
(1990) reported the EC of chicken manure of about 11 dS/m in silt loam soils
too high for salinity sensitive crops. The pH of dry chicken manure pellets was
found to be 7.9, with most of the nutrients available in this environment
(López-Masquera, 2008) while a decrease in the soil pH (< 6.5) affects the
availability of nutrients to plants (Warman, 1986).
 Wong et al. (1983) found that the acidity due to chicken manure
addition severely affects root growth and seed germination. Moreover, if
applied correctly chicken manure acts as a good soil amendment and/or
fertilizer (e.g. provides N, P and K) and can also increase the soil and leaf N,
P, K Ca, and Mg concentrations (Duncan, 2005; Agbede 2008).

Carabao manure

The carabao is a prized symbol of a farmer's wealth and is an integral

component of the Philippine agriculture. Million of farmers rely on this animal
as the main source of draft power for plowing farm and almost all farming
operations. Carabao eats only grass and other vegetation. It produces 10.8 kg
manure/day or 6,853 kg in 360 days. Carabao manure is also of economic
importance. It’s a good organic fertilizer, containing 18.5 % nitrogen, 43.7 %
phosphoric acid, and 9.6 % potash. It’s also a good source of fuel either as
dried dung, or in generating biogas or methane. When mixed with clay, the
dung serves as building material or as plaster on the ground where palay is
threshed. https://blablawriting.com/carabao-manure-brick-essay.

A study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of

carabao manure that may favor the best yield of yellow flint corn. The different
levels used were: 3 tons, 6 tons, 9 tons and 15 tons per hectare. The results
showed that treatment 6 (15 tons per hectare) have the highest mean rate of
growth and the highest mean yield of 2.52 kilograms per plot.
(http://library.stii.dost.gov.ph/search.php?keyword=Yellow%20Flint)
Vermicompost

The faeces / castings of earthworms by consuming organic wastes and

excreting out is called vermicompost. It is a natural manure for plant growth
and development. It is eco-friendly and free from pollution and health hazards.
Its continuous use will reduce the cost of fertilizer application and will increase
the soil fertility and also increase the population of earthworms in soil, which
play very important role in decomposition of organic matter and mineralization
of plant nutrients. It helps in decomposition of agricultural and animal waste
and converts into vermicompost for the use of crops. Earthworms were
reported to accumulate certain metal particles and development of binding
proteins too. The microbes present in vermicompost release gibberellins,
cytokinins and auxin due to metabolism. These substances help in
germination and plant growth.
It was by Kale (1987) reported that wormcasts contained various plant
nutrients, growth substances which were rendered to plants in the comparable
forms. They further stated that the improvement in soil fertility was due to
enzymatic activity and microbial activity that was associated with earthworms.
Vermicompost is a rich source of macro and micronutrients, growth hormones
and microflora (Bhawalkar, 1991). The earthworm derived nitrogen could
supply 30 per cent of the total crop requirements as it is the potential source of
readily available nutrients for plant growth (Curry and Byrne, 1992). The
phosphorus contents of vermicompost was more than in FYM (Shinde et al.,
1992), further the contents of DTPA extractable micronutrients in
vermicompost were Fe (178 ppm), Mn (24.6 ppm), Zn (19.2 ppm) and Cu (7.6
ppm). Jambhelkar (1994) reported that vermicompost contains 2.0 to 2.5%
available nitrogen, 1.0 to 1.5% available phosphorus and 1.0 to 1.5% available
potassium and also secondary nutrients like Ca, Mg, micronutrients like Fe,
Cu, Zn, Mn and Mo in ample quantities.
 Further, it contains enzymes like phosphatases, invertase, chitinase
etc., and also growth hormones like indole acetic acid and gibberellic acid,
microbial analysis confirms that vermicompost is rich in microbes viz., bacteria
like Azotobacter, Azospirillum besides number of actinomycetes.

K Humate

Potassium humate is one of the alternate sources of organic matter for

improving physico-chemical properties of soils, crop growth and yield. The
study “Potassium humate and NPK application rates influence yield and
economic performance of potato crops grown in clayey loam soils” in the
Department of Horticulture, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
investigated the effect of using different rates of potassium humate with and
without recommended inorganic fertilizers in clayey loam soil on yield and
economics of potato production. Four field experiments were conducted during
2010-11 and 2011-12 by using four levels of each, NPK (0, 50, 75 and 100%
recommended dose) and potassium humate (0, 8, 12 and 16 kg ha-1) in a
randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Tuber
number, tuber fresh and dry weight and biological yield per hill, tuber yield per
hectare and harvest index were significantly and positively affected by
increasing level of NPK in both autumn and spring crops. Application of
potassium humate significantly increased tuber fresh and dry weights (up to
10.95% and 14.43%; respectively), tuber yield (up to 10.96%), biological yield
(up to 8.46%) and harvest index (up to 3.1) in both autumn and spring crops
but improved tuber number per hill only in autumn crops.

Humic substances can be used as alternate sources of organic matter

to improve soil physico-chemical properties as well as crop growth and final
yield (Ohta et al., 2004).Humic substances play a key role in recycling of
nutrients (MacCarthy, 2003). Humates are used in soil or sprayed on plants
(foliar application) mainly because of their very high content of humic acids,
ranging from 30 to 60% and can be taken up easily by the roots (Stevenson
and Cole, 1999).

NPK

NPK fertilizer is a complex fertilizer comprised primarily of the three

primary nutrients required for healthy plant growth. There are numerous
building blocks of life that plants need for healthy and optimum growth.
Without these nutrients, plants cannot grow to their full potential, will provide
lower yields, and be more susceptible to disease.
The three most important nutrients, without any one of which plants
could not survive, are referred to as the primary macronutrients: Nitrogen (N),
Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).
Soils often lack these nutrients, either naturally, or as a result of over
cultivation or other environmental factors. In cases where soils are lacking,
nutrients must be put back into the soil in order to create the ideal environment
for optimal plant growth.
Each of the primary nutrients is essential in plant nutrition, serving a
critical role in the growth, development, and reproduction of the plant.
(https://feeco.com/npk-fertilizer-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work/)

Complete Fertilizer ( 14-14-14)

Cucumbers have low nitrogen requirements, but they need high

potassium and high phosphorus levels. With commercial fertilizer formulas,
this means the first of the three numbers on the package should be much
lower than the other two. (https://www.hunker.com/13427375/what-is-the-best-
fertilizer-for-cucumbers)
 After the cucumber plants have produced blossoms, it may be
beneficial to apply a balanced, all purpose fertilizer. An all-purpose water
soluble fertilizer will work fine. You can also use a balanced granular fertilizer.
When choosing a granular fertilizer, pay attention to the three number code on
the bag. Look for 10-10-10 or 12-12-12. These numbers indicate the
percentage of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium that are contained in that
particular bag, respectively. The nitrogen will help the plant foliage grow as
much as possible. The phosphate and potassium will help with fruit production.
Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's directions. Most are
applied at a rate of 1 1/2 pounds per 100 square feet. Scatter the granules on
the ground around the base of the plant. Avoid letting the granules touch the
plant itself, as it may burn or have other adverse effects. Water the fertilizer in
well after applying. (https://www.backyard-vegetable-gardening.com/watering-
cucumbers.html)

J 777

Essential plant nutrients, many of which are found in J-777 Organic

Foliar Fertilizer, could be directly fed to plants through spraying. These
essential nutrients enter the plants through openings called stomata, which
eventually convey the nutrients to the chlorophyll where they are ready for
plant use. The plant's stomata are mostly found on the underside of leaves. To
achieve optimum results, it is best to use sprayers with the finest opening in
order to create a swirling action so as to ensure that the plant's underside
receives moisture.

Foliar feeding of plans with nutrients found in J-777 Organic Fertilizer

increases cellular-based chlorophyll synthesis. It stimulates activity in the plant
cells found on the leaves and then provides nutrition when the usage in the
plant becomes greater than it usual uptake. This action further stimulates
activity in the plant cells found on the leaves and them provide nutrition when
the usage in the plant becomes greater than its usual uptake. This action
further stimulates the plants to activate their pumping system and thus
increasing absorption in water and nutrients from the soil. There is also a
corresponding increase in the gaseous exchange and intake of essential
elements from the atmosphere because of increased respiratory activity.
Experiments show that the uptake rate could increase 8-10 times in
foliar-fed plants. The resulting needs for more water and gaseous exchange
stimulates the growth of additional root mass to provide it. Excess
carbohydrates produced by the plant, due to greater synthesis of sugars by
the increased chlorophyll, are excreted by the root hairs which stimulates
microbial colonies on the root by providing additional energy sources.

The bacterial colonies in turn provide auxins and other root stimulation
compounds. More root tissue and root hairs increases the plants ability to
uptake water and fertilize ions. Once the plants' pumping systems has been
activated by nutrients from J-777 Organic Foliar Fertilizer, the resulting activity
is a chain reaction where optimum growth is achieved.
(http://www.J777inc.com/content/how-it-works)

Bounty Grow Organic Fertilizer

One of the most effective ways to supplement the nutrients needed by

the plants is through foliar feeding, or the technique of applying liquid fertilizer
directly to the leaves, through the stomata where nutrient absorption takes
place 8 to 10 times faster than that of soil fertilization. Studies show that
among the advantages of foliar fertilization are: the quick absorption of
nutrients, the quick addressing of nutrient deficiencies; a reduction in the
amount of fertilizer needed as compared to soil application and in the amount
of fertilizer wasted; the efficient uptake of water; and the stimulation of
nutrients in the soil. Also, nutrient uptake by the plant does not depend on the
right soil pH as the nutrients that are rendered unavailable by incorrect soil pH
can be absorbed through foliar feeding.

Power Grow was approved by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority and
can be applied to rice, corn, vegetables, strawberries, dragon fruit, plantation
crops, and fruit-bearing trees. For fruiting vegetables including corn, spray
Power Grow Green 14 days after planting at 80 ml per tank load at 7 to 10
days interval. When the plant starts to flower, switch to Power Grow Red at 80
to 100 ml per tank load after every 7 to 10 days until 2 weeks before harvest.
(http://agriculture.com.ph/2018/02/27/liquid-foliar-fertilizer-increases-crop-
yield/)
Analysis of Different Organic Fertilizers

(Albaran, 2015)
No. Description Total N (%) P2O5 (%) K2O (%)
1 Chicken Dung 2.53 4.22 2.05

(Baluli, 2015)
No. Description Total N (%) P2O5 (%) K2O (%)
2 Carabao Manure 1.39 1.94 0.99

Lopez, 2015
No. Description Total N (%) P2O5 (%) K2O (%)
3 Vermicompost 1.83 0.82 0.88

Specifications for Organic Fertilizers Based on Phil. National Standard

Total NPK 5-7%
C:N 12:1-20:1
Organic matter ≥ 20%
Moisture content 30-35%

Guaranteed Analysis for 14-14-14 Fertilizer

Total Nitrogen (N)* 14.0%
Nitrate Nitrogen (N) 5.80%
Ammoniacal Nitrogen (N) 8.20%
Available Phosphate (P2O5)* 14.0%
Soluble Potash ( K2O)* 14.0%

Typical Analysis (Dry basis): K Humate S 100

Water solubility 100%
Potassium humates/fulvates 85%
Potassium (K) as humates/fulvates 15%
Nitrogen (N) as humates/fulvates 0.3 %
Sulphur (S) as humates/fulvates 0.3 %
Total Organic Carbon ) 45 %
http://k-humet100.blogspot.com/2013/11/joseph-lim-top1-success-sto
 Cucumber Pests and Diseases

Common Cucumber Diseases

Powdery mildew. It is one of the most common diseases in

cucumbers. Powdery mildew shows signs of white powdery substance
encompassing the whole leaves of the plant. Usually, it begins in little spots
then scatters throughout the leaves. This fungal disease may cause poor
growth of the fruits specifically if the infection is severe. The leaves of the
cucumber begin to wither and then fall off prematurely. Overhead watering and
poor air circulation can contribute to such problem. At the first sign of the
disease, the use of fungicidal sprays can help. In order to avoid wetting
leaves, use underground or surface watering method. To keep the infection at
bay, plant cucumbers in full sun. If your plants are already infected with
powdery mildew, spraying with neem oil can prevent the disease from
spreading. Just remember not to spray in the heat of the day.

Bacterial wilt. Bacterial wilt can cause the plants to wilt and then die
fast. You will know if the disease is present in the plant when a white
substance will stick to your finger the moment you pull it away. The bacteria
that are causing the disease invade the plant's vascular tissues, which lead to
a rapid wilt of the plant. The sticky substance produced by the bacterial wilt
organism plugs the tissues, preventing the transport of water.

Angular leaf spot. Angular leaf spot is one of the most

widespread diseases of cucumber. The disease is caused by a
bacterium, and the initial symptoms are small, water -soaked spots
that develop on the undersides of leaves. These lesions expand until
they become limited by the larger secondary veins in the leaf, giving
the spots an angular shape. The angular leaf spot bacterium can be
seedborne, present on transplants, and survive in the field on crop
debris or volunteer cucurbit plants. The pathogen can survive in dry
leaf material for up to two and a half years. The bacterium infects
cucumber plants through openings, such as stomata, hydathodes,
and wounds. The pathogen is spread by splashing water, insects,
contaminated equipment, and workers. The disease spreads easily
when plants are wet.

Downy mildew. A cucumber plant has downy mildew when it shows

signs of angular yellow spots on its leaves. This fungal disease can be treated
and prevented in different ways. If your plant is already infected with the
disease, pull it to prevent the infection from spreading. Use good cultural
practices to avoid the infection from occurring and use fungicides to stop the
disease.

Cucumber mosaic. This type of cucumber disease affects the flower,

leaf, stem and growth of the plant. When the infection strikes, it may lead to
the formation of prominent foliar yellow mosaic, severe plant stunting,
malformation, and reduction of leaf size, downward leaf curling and more. The
flowers may show signs of prominent abnormalities. This disease is very
common. The virus is transmitted from one plant to another by various kinds of
aphids.
Cucumber Insect Pest Guide

Aphids. The melon aphid (also known as the cotton aphid) is the most
important as a pest. Melon aphids vary in size and color. Most
are approximately 1/16th of an inch long and light yellow to green to black in
color. They have black eyes, leg joints, and cornicles. Aphids usually start to
colonize cucumber plants after the plants start to form runners. Aphids are
typically found on the undersides of leaves where they feed by inserting a
straw-like mouthpart, called a stylet, into, the leaves to suck out plant sap. This
feeding can result in leaf distortions, including twisting, puckering, and
cupping. Eventually, colonized leaves will turn brown and die. Aphids excrete
honeydew on the leaves, which gives the leaves a glossy appearance. The
honeydew provides nutrients for the growth of sooty mold fungi, which can
cover leaves and fruit with dark brown fungal growth that is difficult to remove
from fruit and reduces the plant’s ability to photosynthesize.

To scout for aphids examine the undersides of leaves on two runners at

five sites per field. Reflective mulches can be used to repel aphids. Late
season plantings should be located as far away as possible from existing
cucurbit crops.

Cucumber beetles. Spotted, and banded cucumber beetles

can be found on cucumbers, with the banded cucumber beetles found
mostly in warm, southern areas. Spotted cucumber beetle adults
have yellowish-green wing covers with eleven black spots, a black
thorax, head, and yellow abdomen. Adult striped beetles have yellow
wing covers with longitudinal black stripes, black head and abdomen.
Adult banded beetles have yellowish -green wing covers with three
bright green bands or stripes running across the wing covers.
Cucumber beetle adults lay eggs near cucumber stems, and the larva
begin to feed on plant roots as soon as they emerge. Adults feed on
leaves and in flowers. Leaf damage appears as shot -holes or the
feeding wounds may have a net-like appearance. The feeding can kill
or significantly slow growth of plants. The adult beetles also tra nsmit
the bacterial wilt pathogen. Cucumber beetles like moisture and
dislike heat, so they are attracted to irrigated fields during periods of
hot weather.

Management of cucumber beetles can include the use of fabric

row covers to physically exclude the beetles from cucumber plants, at
least early in the season before plants need bee visits for pollination.
Eliminating weeds and deep plowing may reduce the overwintering
populations of the beetles.

White flies. They are usually found on the undersides of

leaves where they feed on plant sap. Feeding by large populations of
whiteflies can result in plant desiccation, and infested plants become
unthrifty with reduced fruit production. Like aphids, whiteflies produce
honeydew that coats plant surfaces and r esults in the growth of sooty
mold fungi that reduces fruit quality and photosynthesis.
The use of row covers and reflective mulches can help keep
whiteflies from infesting plants, and good field sanitation and
practices that foster populations of natural enemies, whitefly
populations can usually be kept at a level that does not impact yield
and fruit quality. Avoid planting at times that result in crop
development periods that coincide with peak whitefly levels.

Thrips. These are small (1/25th-inch long), slender insect with sucking
and rasping mouth parts. Species, such as the western flower thrips, feed on
plants, which can cause damage and yield reductions if populations are high.
thrips also eats spider mites, so it can also act as a beneficial insect. Monitor
thrips populations with yellow sticky traps during the flowering period,
and evaluate plants for thrips damage. If the presence of thrips is
damaging the shoot tips, flowers, or fruit, then an insecticide
application may be needed. Proper weed management will help keep
thrips populations at a low level.
 Conceptual Framework

Independent Dependent
Variables Variables
Agronomical Data
Organic Fertilizer
 Mortality rate
 Chicken dung
 Plant height
 Carabao manure
 Number of
 Vermicompost
Cucumber
leaves
(variety)  K Humate S100
Yield Parameters
 J777
 Bounty Grow  Number of
marketable
and non-
marketable
fruits
 Weight of
marketable
Fig. 1 A schematic diagram showing the interactions between the
and non –
independent and dependent variables. USMARC, Kabacan
marketable
Cotabato.
fruits
 Fruit weight
 Hypotheses

The null hypotheses of this study are the following:

1. The application of the different organic fertilizers has no significant effects

on the plant growth and yield of cucumber.

2. The application of different organic fertilizers does not influence the

occurrence of pest and diseases of cucumber grown under Kabacan,
Cotabato condition.
 Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

Experimental Design and Treatments

The study will be conducted in a Completely Randomized Design

(CRD) with eight (8) treatments to be replicated three (3) times using ten (10)
sample plants per treatment. A total of 240 seedlings will used in this study.
The experimental layout is shown in figure 2.

The following treatments will be used:

T1- Control (unfertilized)

T2- Complete fertilizer (14-14-14) - (10g/ gallon of water as inorganic fertilizer

check)

T3- Chicken Dung (Broiler) (30t/ ha)

T4- Carabao manure (15t/ ha)

T5- Vermicompost (15t/ hectare)

T6- K-Humate S100 – (3 tbsp/ gallon of water)

T7- J-777- 3 tbsp/ gallon of water

T8- Bounty Grow Organic Fertilizer- 3 tbsp gallon of water

 Rep. 1 Rep. 2 Rep.3
T1 T6 T7

T5 T8 T3

T2 T1 T5

T7 1m T3 T2

0.5m

T3 T2 T6

T7 T1
T8

T5 T4
T4

T6 T4 T8

Fig.2. Experimental layout of the study using Randomized Complete Block

Design with 8 treatments and 3 replications

Legend:

T1- Control (Unfertilized) T5- Vermicompost

T2- Complete fertilizer (14-14-14) T6- K Humate S100
T3- Chicken dung (Broiler) T7- J777
T4- Carabao Manure T8- Bounty Grow Organic
Fertilizers
Field Preparation

The experimental area to be used in the set up for growth and yield evaluation
will be thoroughly cleaned by removing grasses and other unnecessary
materials in the area. The field may require plowing or sub soiling to break a
hard pan. The field is then disked and/or tilled to break up soil clods.
The total experimental area of 162 sq.m including alley of 1m between
rows and 0.5m between plots will be divided into 24 plots. The dimension of
each plot is 0.5x 5m. Each plot will have 12 sample plants per treatment. The
area to be used in this study must be free from any inorganic materials or
never been applied with inorganic fertilizers.

Seed sowing

The seeds to be used in the study will be purchased from any

agricultural supply. The seeds will be directly sown in the field. Holes will be
made 30 cm apart at 2-3 cm deep.

Care and maintenance

Watering of the plants will be done right after planting