YIELD OF CUCUMBER VARIETIES SUPPLEMENTED WITH

DIFFERENT LEVELS OF VERMITEA

LENDY MAE LANGUIDO

LEAH ROSA – OT

SUBMITTED TO THE ADMINISTRATION, FACULTY AND STAFF

OF THE CENTRAL PHILIPPINE STATE UNIVERSITY
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
DEGREE

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE

(Crop Science)

April 2019
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is an ancient vegetable and one of the most important

member of the Cucurbitaceae family (Thoa, 1998) cited by Eifediyi and remison (2011)

that is cultivated for its fruit which is a rich source of minerals and vitamins.

There are three main varieties of cucumber : slicing, pickling, and burpless. Within

these varieties, several different cultivars have emerged. The cucumber is originally from

Southern Asia, but now grows on most continents. Many different varieties are traded on

the global market (Elaine Roddy, 2013).

The fruit is eaten fresh in salad accompaniment with other vegetables. The high

water content makes cucumber a diuretic and it also has a cleansing action within the body

by removing accumulated pockets of old wastes material and chemical toxins. Cucumbers

help eliminate uric acid which is beneficial for those who have arthritis, and it’s fiber – rich

skin and high levels of potassium and magnesium which helps regulate blood pressure and

help promote nutrient functions. The magnesium content in cucumbers also relaxes nerves

and muscles and keeps blood circulating smoothly.

In spite of the increasing relevance of Cucumber in the Philippines, low yields are

obtained in farmer’s field because of declining soil fertility due to continues cropping and

disregard for soil amendment materials. Crops including cucumber needs a fertile soil to

be used for its production as infertile soils results in lower yield of crops and lower quality

of fruits which are not accepted by consumers thereby reducing farmer’s income.
 Applications of Vermitea is one of the ways of improving soil fertility and final

yield of crop. However, there seems to be a little use of Vermitea and there is a little

knowledge available on the effects of Vermitea on crops for efficient utilization. More

information about Vermitea must be extended to farmers and other people.

In line with this, the researcher is encouraged to undergo the study on the Yield of

Cucumber Varieties Supplemented with Different Levels of Vermitea. Due to high cost of

commercial fertilizer and to help our farmers know about the beneficial effect of Vermitea

on the yield of the crops. Since some of us doesn’t know the importance and uses of it

because of the modern life that we have. We must practice Organic Farming for our own

safety and have a healthy living.

Objectives of the Study

This study will be conducted to determine the Yield of Cucumber Varieties

Supplemented with Different Levels of Vermitea.

1.To determine which of the following varieties of cucumber will give the

highest yield.

2. To determine which of the different levels of Vermitea will give the highest yield

to the cucumber.

3. To ascertain interaction effect of cucumber varieties on the different levels of

Vermitea.
Significance of the Study

The study on the Yield of Cucumber Varieties Supplemented with Different Levels

of Vermitea will serve as a guide to farmers, the student and the researcher who would like

to undergo a research on cucumber. This study will aim to provide essential information to

cucumber growers to improve their production. It would also provide knowledge in

selecting a variety of cucumber suited to organic fertilizer. This appropriate organic

fertilizer applied on cucumber will be considered for the proper assimilation of the plant to

obtain high yield. This study would also serve as reference.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study will focus mainly on the “Yield of Cucumber Varieties Supplemented

with Different Levels of Vermitea”. It will be conducted from November 2018 to January

2019 at the CPSU San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

An experimental area of 335.32 sq. meters will be laid out using Factorial

Randomized Complete Block Design (FRCBD). It will be divided into nine (9) treatments

with four (4) blocks. Cucumber seeds will be planted with a distance of 0.75m between

furrows and 0.30m between hills.

The data to be gathered are the following : the average number of fruits, the average

weight of fruits, the average fruit length, the average fruit diameter, the total yield (t/ha).

The data will be computed and analyse statistically with the Analysis of Variance

(ANOVA) and the Least Significant Difference (LSD).

Definition of Terms

ANOVA. is an analysis tool used in statistics that splits the aggregate variability

found inside a data set into two parts : systematic factors and random factors.

Operationally, In this study, it will be used as a tool in comparing the two or more

independent groups and a statistical layout.

Cucumber. Is a popular cultivated plant in the Gourd family scientifically known

as Cucumis sativus.

Operationally,It refers to the crop that was planted on the experimental area.

Cultural practices. It refers to the practices which include proper land preparation,

planting, weeding and cultivation, fertilizer application, crop protection, harvestingand

storing of crops.

Operationally, In this study, it will be used as a proper management of a crop.

Crop. A plant or animal product that can be grown and harvested extensively for

profit.

Operationally, It refers to the cultivated crop, named Cucumber.

Foliar Fertilizer. It is a technique of feeding plants by applying liquid fertilizer

directly to their leaves.

Operationally, In this study, it refers to Vermitea that will be supplemented to the

cucumber.

General Lee. A vigorous long vined slicing cucumber. The fruit are long and fairly

narrow with white spines and an attractive mid green colour.

Operationally, It refers to the one variety of cucumber to be used.

 Mega C F1. It is a long oriental fruit with 4 – 5 cm in diameter. It is resistant to

pest and diseases like downy mildew and gummy stem blight.

Operationally, it refers to the one variety of cucumber that will be used in the

experiment.

Organic Fertilizer. these are fertilizers derived from animal or vegetable matter.

Operationally, In this study, it refers to natural fertilizer to be used.

Poinsett. It is a slicing cucumber that has tapered ends and white spines. Fruit

measure 7.5 inches with very dark – green skin.

Operationally, It refers to the one variety of cucumber to be used.

Sowing. To plant seeds in an area of ground. In this study, the cucumber seeds will

be sown directly in the field.

Operationally, it refers to the area of land where the cucumber seeds will be planted

which will use for the experiment.

Supplement. Something that is added to something else in order to make it

complete.

Operationally, it refers to the vermitea which will be added as a supplement to

improve the productivity of the cucumber that will be used in the experiment.

Tendrils. A slender coiling organ by which some climbing plants attach themselves

for support.

Operationally, It refers to a specialized stem of cucumber with threadlike shape that

stretches out twines around any suitable support.

Trellises. A frame of latticework used especially for climbing plants.

 Operationally, It refers to the bamboo posts and synthetic straw that was used to

provide the cucumber plants a place to crawl.

Variety. The strain of different plants in many characteristics.

Operationally, It refers to poinsett76, Mega C F1 and General Lee variety of

Cucumber that was used for planting.

Vermitea. Is the solid extract from fermented vermicompost.

Operationally, In this study, it refers to the organic foliar fertilizer that will be used

as supplement to cucumber.

Yield. To produce or provide something such as plant or crop.

Operationally, it refers to the yield of cucumber as influenced by the different levels

of vermitea.
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents the findings of the different researchers published in books,

internet which would serve as a guide and reference to the researcher in conducting the

study.

Some points on Cucumber

The cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, one of

the more important plant families. The Cucurbitaceae consists of 90 genera and 750

species. The genus Cucumis contains nearly 40 species including three important cultivated

ones (i.e., C. angria L. [West Indian gherkin], C. sativus [cucumber], and C. melo L.

[cantaloupe]).

The cucumber most likely originated in India (south foot of the Himalayas), or

possibly Burma, where the plant is extremely variable both vegetatively 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 use 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. (haifa – nutrient.com). The cucumber plant is

coarse, prostrate annual creeping vine that grows up trellises or any other supporting
frames, wrapping around ribbing with thin, spiralling 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. Regular cucumbers are short (about 12 –

25cm) and uniformly cylindrical. Their thick, deep green skin has light green stripes and a

rough surface with strong trichomes. The skin is bitter in taste and not easily digested, so

the fruit needs to be peeled before eating. The cucumber fruit , like that of other

Cucurbitaceae, I noted for its high water content, which is around 95% of its fresh weight.

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.

Cucumbers growth season is relatively short, lasting 55 – 60 days for field – grown

varieties, and over 70 days for greenhouse varieties. Prepare furrows 0.75m apart. Make

holes 30cm apart. Elaine Roddy (2013).

Prepare the field at least one month before planting. Follow each plowing with

harrowing and allow seeds to germinate between each plowing. Elaine Roddy (2013)

Cucumbers are almost always direct seeded. Like most cucurbits, they do not

transplant well and transplant costs would be hard to recover. Elaine Roddy (2013)

About 3kg of seeds are required per hectare. Wet the seeds overnight for uniform

germination. Air dry and sow 2 – 3 healthy seeds/hill, 1 cm deep. Cover lightly with soil
and mulch with rice straw. After 3 days, remove the rice straw covering the hole to give

way to growing seedling. Pull out excess seedling and replant to missing hills. Maintain

only 2 seedlings/hill. (community.farmon.ph/Thread-Cucumber-pipino-Production-

Guide)

Cucumbers require warm temperatures for germinations; they will not germinate

below 15 degrees Celsius( 60 degrees F). The optimum temperature for germination is 35

degrees C (95 degrees F).

All the vine crops depend on insects to transfer pollen from the male to the female

blossoms. Each female blossom must be visited 15 – 20 times in order for adequate

pollination to occur. Poorly pollinated fruit develop as crooks and nubs. Elaine Roddy

(2013)

Processing cucumber hybrids have a predominately female flowering habit.

However, not all gynoeciuos hybrids produce 100% female flowers. All gynoecious hybrid

seed contains 10% - 15% standard (male and female flowers) cultivars added as a

pollinator. For satisfactory fruit set, 10% - 20% of the plants should contain a large number

of male flowers. Elaine Roddy (2013)

Yield of cucumbers greatly vary according to varieties and growth conditions. The

world average is 15t/ha. (haifa-nutrient.com)

Health Benefits of Cucumber

Cucumbers are extremely beneficial for overall health, especially during the

summer since it is mostly made of water and important nutrients that are essential for the

body. The flesh of cucumbers is rich in vitamins A, C and folic acid while the hard skin of

the cucumbers is rich in fiber and a range of minerals including magnesium, molybdenum

and potassium. Additionally, cucumber contains silica, trace mineral that contributes

greatly to strengthening our connective tissues. Cucumbers also contain ascorbic acid and

caffeine which prevent water loss, therefore cucumber is frequently applied typically to

burns and dermatitis. (organicfacts.net)

Characteristics of Poinsett76 Variety of Cucumber

Poinsett76 is a slicing cucumber that has tapered ends and white spines. Fruit

measure 7.5 inches with very dark – green skin. The plant is moderately vigorous, with 63

relative days to maturity. (Seminis Seeds).

It has a potential yield ranging from 25 – 35t/ha. It is moderately tolerant to downy

mildew, cucumber mosaic virus and powdery mildew. The most common insect pests are

aphids, leaf folders and squash beetles. (darfu4b.da.gov.ph)

Characteristics of Mega C F1 Variety of Cucumber

Long oriental fruit and high yielding variety that produces fruit as early as 35 days

after transplanting. It has a potential yield of 2.5 – 3 kg/plant. It is resistant to pest and

diseases like Downy Mildew, Gummy Stem Blight. Fruit measures 4 – 5 cm in diameter.

(east-westseeds.com )
Characteristics of General Lee Variety of Cucumber

Vigorous, long vined slicing cucumber that does well in all zones. The fruit are

long and fairly narrow with white spines and an attractive mid green colour. The flavour

of this gynoecius (primarily female flowers) variety is terrific and yields are high. Expected

yield is 3 – 4 kg/plant. Maturation of 66 days after sowing. (Pine Tree Garden seeds)

Importance of Organic Fertilizer

Organic Fertilizer correct application prevents symptoms of deficiency in the crops

during the growing season. This positive effect of organic fertilizer means of considerable

saving in mineral fertilizers, and a reduction of mineral fertilizer application in the soil, is

good for the environment and help preventing soil alkalization. Organic fertilizer leads to

an increase in the microbiological activity in the soil life into humic acids and amino acids

(fermofeed.com) cited by Dela Cruz, S. A. (2015)

Conformed that the yield of plants are dictated by the growth character of certain

crops due to the application of organic fertilizer. He added that organic farming can replace

the use of chemical fertilizer or synthetic fertilizer and make it fertile soil less acidity.

(Divinagracia (1991) cited by Dela Cruz, S.A. (2015)

According to felly (1991) as cited by Dela Cruz, S.A. (2015) the best source of

organic matter for vegetable production is farm manure. Although it is not as rich in plant

food value as commercial fertilizers, it is valuable as source of humus for conditioning the

soil.
The Benefits of Liquid Organic Fertilizer

One of the most important benefits of liquid organic fertilizer is that it is 100%

natural. It is a liquid so it can be sprayed on over areas using various different types of

machinery. Liquid organic fertilizer is known to boost unhealthy gardens which have been

affected by dry weather conditions. Within 6 weeks of using, green will start to appear and

your garden will be back on its way to beauty and greenery. Another one of the important

benefits of this product is that it is able to retain large amounts of water and slowly feed it

off the soil, plants and trees which surround it. As a result of this less watering is required.

Liquid organic fertilizer can hold water for up to 2 weeks so in some cases watering does

not need to be done in this time. (landscapeplant.com/maintenance-2-liquid-organic-

fertilizer.htm)

Some Points on Vermitea

Vermicompost tea (Vermitea) is the liquid extract from fermented vermicompost

Vermitea is an excellent organic fertilizer and pesticide. This is due to the presence of

beneficial microorganisms in the tea. The vermitea had about one – third of the microbial

activity and diversity of the solid vermicompost, volume to volume. (Arancon et al, 2007)

Since it is in liquid form, vermitea can be used as an organic foliar fertilizer.

Spraying also allows plants to benefit from the pesticidal properties of vermitea. Apart

from inhibiting arthropod pests like aphids and spider mites, vermicompost tea suppresses

plant diseases (ex. Pythium) and plant parasitic nematodes (ex. Root knot nematodes).

Vermitea is also an excellent plant growth promoter and soil amendment. According to soil

scientists, using vermitea produces major growth differences between plants grown on soil
and water and those grown on soil and vermitea. The presence of plant growth regulators

in the tea can be influence plant growth significantly independent of nutrient availability.

(Arancon et al, 2007)

Characteristics and Nutrient Content of Vermitea

Vermitea is like a rocket fuel, as a liquid it can be used at the roots, working its way

through the soil, supplying nutrient right to the root hairs and disseminating soil and plant

beneficial microbes into the soil supporting the plant crucial soil feed web. Used as a foliar

feed, vermitea will coat the leaves of plants with billions of microbes, all competing for a

food source, by this, plant beneficial microbes crowd out or prey on pathogens, microbes

and their wastes. As a result harmful moulds and fungi don’t have enough resources to

flourish in the end. A foliar feed also coats the leaves with a protective surface, shielding

the leaf cells from spores, airborne microbes and repelling insects. Plants also actively

absorb nutrient within vermitea through the stomata and epidermis of their leaves.

(davleyorganics.com/2014/08/27/a-farmers-guide-to-percolation-of-vermitea/)

VCT nutrients will vary based on the vermicompost source materials and the

brewing techniques. VCT can contain the three basic plant nutrients: nitrogen in the form

of nitrate or ammonium (NO3 and NH4); phosphorus (P); potassium (K). one analysis of

VCT brewed at a 1:10 ratio showed on average: nitrate (NO3) at 77ppm (parts per million);

ammonium (NH4) at 3.7 ppm; P at 18 ppm; K at 186ppm. (Balfanz et al, 2010).

Steps in Making Vermitea

Materials needed :

28 litters Chlorine – free water, 1 kilo Vermicast, 1 kilo Molasses, Vermitea brewer
Procedure :

1. Put the Vermicast inside the agitator barrels of Vermitea Brewer.

2. Add 28 liters of water up to the level marks of the bucket and brew for 24 hours.

3. After 24 hours of brewing, add the molasses to the water in the bucket to serve as food

for the microbes.

4. Continue the brewing process again for 24 hours.

5. After 48 hours of brewing, test the mixture for bad odors. The vermitea should have a

pleasant, earthy smell. An awful smell means that anaerobic bacteria have taken over the

mixture and should be discarded directly into a drain pipe.

6. The remaining liquid is our vermitea, an organic foliar fertilizer and pesticide.

7. Use a funnel to transfer the liquid into a sprayer. Spray immediately. Do not store the

liquid. (freshstartorganic.com/vermi.php)

Application of Vermitea

Application of Vermitea according to Ocana (Personal Communication, 2016) can

be 1 liter of freshly brewed vermicompost tea plus 15 liters of water. Vermitea can be used

every seven to fifteen days to newly grown plants up to its reproductive stage.

Compost tea is typically applied using a backpack sprayer or watering can. If using

a backpack sprayer, the tea needs to be filtered (a coffee filter works well) before

transferring it to the sprayer. When applying VCT, try to cover the plant completely.

NUTRIENT CONTENT OF VERMITEA

NUTRIENT CONTENT OF VERMITEA

NITROGEN – 0.56 – 0.66%
PHOSPHATE – 0.75 – 1.93%
POTASSIUM – 0.40 – 2.30%
 CHAPTER III

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This chapter presents the materials, tools, lay – out management and procedure that

will be used in the conduct of the study.

Time and Place of the Study

This study will be conducted from the month of November 2018 to January 2019

at CPSU San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

Materials and Tools

The materials we will use are as follows: cucumber seeds as planting materials,

Vermitea will be used.

Tools we will use are the following : tractor in plowing the field, sprinkler,

knapsack sprayer, pegs, string and meter stick in lay – outing the field, hoe and shovel in

making the alley, rake in levelling the soil in the plots, paint in making the markers,

placards for vine training, weighing scale, vernier caliper, pen, paper or record book and

camera for documentation during the operation.

Land Preparation

After the experimental area will be cleared from weeds, it will be plowed two times

using a tractor and a harrow for levelling. The first plowing and harrowing will be deeper

enough to provide the plants better root development for water and nutrient absorption.
Second plowing could be at one week interval to allow the remaining weed seeds to

germinate and residues to rot. Harrowing will be done in order to break clods and level the

area.

Experimental Design and Field Lay – out

The experimental area of 335.32m2 will be laid out using a Factorial Randomized

Complete Block Design (FRCBD). The area will be divided into four blocks and it will be

separated with an alley of 1m. Each block had an area of 74.8m2 composed of nine (9)

treatment combinations making a total of 36 varieties. Each treatment area has a dimension

of 7.2m2 having 32 plants. Each harvest area have 12 plants. Cucumbers will be spaced at

0.75m between rows and 0.30m between hills.

Table 1. Treatment Combination

Factor A Factor B
Varieties of Cucumber Levels of vermitea
X – 40liters/ha Y – 50liters/ha Z – 60liters/ha
A – Poinsett AX AY AZ
B – Mega C F1 BX BY BZ
C – General Lee CX CY CZ

Legend:

Factor A – Varieties of cucumber Factor B – Levels of Vermitea

A – Poinsett76 X – 40 liters/ha
B – Mega C F1 Y – 50liters/ha
C – General Lee Z – 60liters/ha
 .75m

BX CY AZ CY AX BZ

.3m

AY BZ CX AZ BY CX

CZ AX BY BX CZ AY

1m 1m 16.6m

9.6m

BY AZ CX AZ BY CX

AX CY BX 7.8m BX CY AY

BZ AY CZ CZ AX BZ

20.2m

Figure 1. Experimental Field lay – out(Total Area of 335.32m2)

 .75m
X X X X X
2.25m
X O O O X

X O 2.25m O O X

X O O 1.5m O X
.30m 1.8m
X O O O X

X O O O X

X X X X X
3m

Figure 2. Harvest Area

Legend:
X – border
O – sample plants
Total Area = 20.2m x 16.6m = 335.32m2
Area/Block = 9.6m x 7.8m = 74.88m2
Area/Treatment = 3m x 1.8m = 5.4m2
Harvest Area/Treatment = 2.25m x 1.5 = 3.37m2
Distance of planting = 0.3m x 0.75m = 0.225m2
 Soil Media Preparation

The seedling trays will be prepared a day before sowing of seeds. The composition

of soil media are garden soil, sandy – clay and loam with the ratios of 1:1:1.

Sowing of Seeds

The seeds are sown directly into the seedling tray and will be covered lightly with

soil, it will be watered immediately after sowing, and this will be observed to provide

moisture to the seeds for this is important element for germination.

Seedling Management and Care

To enhance the growth of cucumber seedlings, watering every morning and

afternoon was maintained. Daily inspection of seedlings will be done, insect pest, infected

seedlings will be immediately eliminated. This will be observed to ensure the successful

growth of all planted seedlings.

Digging of Holes

Digging of holes will be done two (2) days before transplanting. A hole will be

made about 30cm x 75cm spacing following the distance of planting at one (1) centimetre

deep.

Transplanting

Transplanting of cucumber seedlings will be done a week after germination of seeds

from the seedling tray. It will be done late in the afternoon in order to avoid wilting.

Seedlings are handled carefully to avoid damage from the removal of seedlings from the

seedling tray. Replacing will be done to fill up missing in the plot when on each treatment
will be observed. The excess seedlings will be kept for to be utilized for replacing the

missing hills to make sure that the replanted seeds will be the same age with other plants.

Application of Vermitea

The Vermitea will be applied based on the designated treatment such as 40, 50 and

60 liters/ha. One (1) liter of freshly brewed vermitea will be diluted with 15 liters of water

making a total volume of 16 liters knapsack sprayer. The dilution will be sprayed directly

to the cucumber. The vermitea will be applied within 4 to 5 hours, otherwise the microbes

will die and the tea will smell very foul.

Application of this foliar fertilizer will be done early in the morning at 6am to 7:30

in the morning not later than 9am. The first application will be applied five (5) days after

planting and the second application will be seven (7) days and then at weekly interval up

to the 8th or final application.

Table 2. Tabulated amount of Vermitea

Levels of vermitea ml/treatment ml/hill

X – 40 liters/ha 28.8 ml 0.9 ml

Y – 50 liters/ha 36 ml 1.125 ml

Z – 60 liters/ha 43.2 ml 1.35 ml

*Concentrated Vermitea
 Weeding and Cultivation

Weeding will be done in order to eliminate the weeds that grow together with the

cucumber. This will be done by uprooting the weeds as soon as they grow inside the

experimental area.

Cultivation will be done to provide good soil aeration that promotes better development of

the roots of the plants.

Water Managemanet

Cucumbers also require a continuous supply of water and where drip irrigation will

not be used. Watering will be done every day by using sprinkler. It will be done early in

the morning to avoid damping – off.

Trellis Construction

Cucumber vines are sprawling and require plenty of space to grow. Vines can be

trained to grow on trellis or fence. Bamboo posts spaced 3 – 4m apart will be laid out in

the field. Nylon will be used to connect the poles along each furrow. Synthetic straw will

be used for vine training.

Biological Control

Broadcasting of cosmos seeds around the area one week before planting will be

done as biological control agents against pest. Care and maintenance and proper sanitation

will be practiced on the area. Cucumber plants also benefit from the pesticidal properties

of Vermitea.
 Harvesting

Cucumbers should be harvested from the plant when they are still immature and

green in color. Mature fruits are yellow and the flesh is often tough with woody seeds.

Harvesting will be carefully done by cutting the petiole using a sharp knife. This will be

done at weekly intervals in three harvesting. Harvesting will be done early in the morning.

Data to be Gathered

The average number of fruits. This data will be determined by counting the number of

fruits from 10 sample plants/treatment every harvesting.

Average Number of Fruits/Plant = Total number of fruits of sample plants

Total number of sample plants

The average length of fruits. This will be measured from the head of the fruits to the tips

using a vernier caliper. This will be taken from all sample fruits from 10 sample plants per

treatment.

Average Length of Fruits(cm) = Total length of fruits of sample plants

Total number of sample plants

The average diameter of fruits (cm). this will be gathered by measuring the middle

portion of the cross section of the sample fruits from 10 sample plants per treatment every

harvesting.

Average Diameter of Fruits(cm) = Total Diameter of Fruits of Sample Plants

Total number of sample plants

Weight of Fruits/plant. This will be determined by weighing the harvested fruits from 10

sample plants per treatment. This will be gathered after harvesting.

Average weight of fruits(g/plant) = Total weight of fruits of sample plants

Total number of sample plants
Total Yield(t/ha). This will be determined by weighing all the fruits from the harvest area

per treatment in three harvests and converted to tons/ha.

Yield per harvest

Average Yield (t/ha) = harvest area x 10,000
1000

Statistical Analysis

The data will be analysed statistically using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).

Least Significant Difference (LSD) will be used to determine the significant difference

between the means set at 5% and 1% level of significance.