GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF Musa textilis Nee

(ABACA) FROM SEED PROPAGATION IN USING

VARIOUS INORGANIC FERTILIZER AT NEMSU-
BISLIG CAMPUS

BATAC, KENNETH N.
CLAUD, RAYMUND
DULGUIME, FRITZ MELVIN R.
ROA, JESSRELLA MAE Q.

SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF FORESTRY DEPARTMENT

NORTHEASTERN MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY

FORMERLY SURIGAO DEL SUR STATE UNIVERSITY

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FORESTRY

DECEMBER 2022
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Finding sustainable solutions for the future is becoming increasingly important

as the environmental repercussions of climate change worsen. There is a great
demand for new kinds of materials that can reduce or perhaps eliminate the
requirement for fossil fuels and other nonrenewable resources. As a result, more and
more study is being done on natural fibers as renewable resources. The abaca plant's
fibers are one of these natural fibers. The Philippines-native abaca plant is emerging
as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers. The Philippines places considerable
importance on abaca. However, it appears that the Philippines is not receiving the
greatest possible advantage from the use of the plant and its applications. The
productivity is not even close to meeting the demand, which is a setback for attempts
focused on increasing the income for farmers by, for example, using the crude fibers
for a resource within high-value products.

Abaca is a suitable plant to be used in farming systems that promote

reforestation. If interplant with coconut palms and other tree species in formerly
monoculture plantations and rainforest areas, the plant can help to improve
biodiversity conditions. Planting abaca can also help reduce erosion and
sedimentation issues in coastal areas, which are important habitats for sea fish
reproduction. Since the plant successfully increases the soil's ability to retain water, it
also helps to prevent landslides and floods. Additionally, the Abaca requires less
acreage for production and does not degrade soil as quickly as other plants. Farmers
use waste from the abaca plant as organic fertilizer.

The Musaceae plant family includes the abaca. The leaves of the abaca (Musa
textilis Nee), a plant related to the banana, contain some of the strongest natural fibers
utilized by humans. It is native to the Philippines and has long been a part of
traditional agriculture in Southeast Asia. It thrives mainly in the provinces of Bicol,
Samar, and Leyte. The Abaca grows 4–6 m tall, evergreen, perennial abaca has a
clump of massive pseudo stems that can grow up to 30 cm in diameter. It creates
runners along the ground that develop new plants by taking roots at each section. The
rectangular, dark green leaves are also light green underneath. The fruits' irregularly
formed seeds render them inedible. Of all the natural fibers, abaca fiber, also referred
to as Manila hemp, is the strongest. It is extremely robust and safeguarded against salt
water harm. As well as in handicrafts like bags, carpets, furniture, and apparel, it is
utilized in the paper industry.

With this, the researchers aimed to know the growth performance of Abaca
(Musa textilis Nee) using various inorganic fertilizer in NEMSU- Bislig Campus with
the following objectives: to determine the survival rate and mortality rate of Abaca
using inorganic fertilizer, to assess the apical performance of Abaca using inorganic
fertilizer and to identify the most appropriate fertilizer that will enhance the growth of
Abaca using various inorganic fertilizer at NEMSU- Bislig Campus.

The study was conducted at NEMSU- Bislig Campus with the duration of
three (3) months from September 2022 to December 2022.
Statement of the Problem

The researchers aimed to determine the growth performance of Abaca (Musa

textilis Nee) at NEMSU- Bislig Campus.

The study will be conducted to relatively answer the following questions:

1. What is the survival rate and mortality rate of Abaca using inorganic fertilizer in
NEMSU- Bislig Campus?
2. What is the apical growth performance of Abaca using inorganic fertilizer?
3. What is the most appropriate fertilizer that will enhance the growth of Abaca
using various inorganic fertilizer?

Objectives of the Study

General Objectives

To determine the growth performance and sustainability of Abaca (Musa

textilis Nee) using inorganic fertilizer at NEMSU- Bislig Campus.

Specific Objectives

1. To determine the survival rate and mortality rate of Abaca using inorganic
fertilizer in NEMSU- Bislig Campus.
2. To assess the apical growth performance of Abaca using inorganic fertilizer.
3. To identify the most appropriate fertilizer that will enhance the growth of Abaca
using various inorganic fertilizer.
Significance of the Study

The Significance of this study would help this Institution;

The Teachers function to help students learn by imparting knowledge to them

and by setting up a situation in which students can and will learn effectively.

Forester Students as their learning evidence about the study and addition to
their knowledge as their future references, and

Community / Farmers improves services and treatments not just for them but
also for future generations. In addition, it can help them to apply this as their basis,
that this species can help to also minimize erosion, improve holding capacity of the
soil.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study will be limited only to the growth performance of Abaca (Musa
textilis Nee) at NEMSU- Bislig Campus with the duration of three (3) months from
September 2022 to December 2022.

Alternative Hypothesis

There is a significant difference in growth performance of Abaca (Musa

textilis Nee) from seed propagation using various inorganic fertilizer.
 Definition of Terms

Acreage- an area of land, typically when used for agricultural purposes, but not
necessarily measured in acres.

Clump-  a group of things clustered together.

Commercial-  forest land which is producing or capable of producing crops of

industrial wood. 

Cultivation- is the act of growing something or improving its growth, especially

crops.

Domestic- existing or occurring inside a particular country; not foreign or

international.

Extraction- the process of transporting cut timber from the place where it was
growing to a point where it can be removed from site. 

Inedible- not fit or suitable for eating.

Interplant- plant (a crop or plant) together with another crop or plant.

Manufacturers- to make from raw materials by hand or by machinery.

Monoculture- the cultivation of a single crop in a given area.

Perennial- a plant that lives more than two years. 

Rainforests- are forest ecosystems characterized by high levels of rainfall, an

enclosed canopy and high species diversity.

Reforestation-  is the natural or intentional restocking of existing forests and

woodlands that have been depleted.

Robust- having or exhibiting strength or vigorous health.

Sedimentation-  is the action or process of forming or depositing sediment.

Thrives- to flourish or grow vigorously.

 Yield-  to supply or produce something positive such as a profit, an amount of food.

Conceptual Framework

Independent Variables Dependent Variables

Growth Performance of
Abaca from Seed Survival and Mortality
Propagation in using Rate
Various Inorganic Apical Growth Rate
Fertilizer

Intervening Variables

Sunlight

Temperature

Insect

Aspect of the area

Figure 1.0 The Conceptual Framework of the Study

Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter represents the related literature and studies after the thorough and
in-depth search done by the researchers. This will be also present the synthesis of the
art, conceptual framework to fully understand the research to be done and lastly the
definition of terms for better comprehension of the study.

The Abaca plant, which belongs to the family Musaceae, is indigenous to the
Philippines and has long been used locally to generate foreign exchange. It has been a
part of traditional agriculture in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines. Abaca
is grown as a third phase crop in forest plots, after a slash-and-burn area has become
less fertile and unable to produce the initial crops of rice and corn, and after even less
demanding second phase crops such as cassava and sweet potato (Capistrano and
Marten 1986).

Abaca plants can be propagated by seeds or by vegetative cloning (i.e., sucker,

corm or seed pieces, eye bud or tissue culture). Propagation by seeds, was practiced in
earlier times but no longer used because do not reproduce true to type is seeds and are
used only for breeding work (Halos, 2008). Vegetative cloning or propagation is
widely adopted (Sievert, 2009). Suckers at least one meter in height with a well-
developed root system have been used traditionally and are best for - replanting of old
plantations.

Abaca planted as monocrop obtained significantly lower fiber yield than when
grown with intercrops. Likewise, abaca grown in association with annual crops,
particularly grain legumes and cereals, performed better in terms of periodic growth
increment and other horticultural traits compared to abaca grown in monoculture.
Generally, the intercrops obtained higher economic yield when planted as a monocrop
than as intercrop with abaca. However, planting distance of abaca did not affect the
growth performance, yield and yield components of all the intercrops for three
cropping seasons, except for grain yield of mungo and peanut during the third
cropping season. Of the four annual crops, peanut proved to be the most promising
intercrops as shown by its high yield and relative yield total of 1.05 which shows as
advantage in intercropping. However, these annual crops can only be planted together
with abaca up to the 18th month after planting abaca due to the high degree of shading
(by the abaca plant) beyond this period. Generally, abaca grown with annual crops
obtained bigger net returns per unit area compared to abaca grown in monoculture
(Moreno, L.O., 1994).

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

(2010), Abaca can benefit the land. Erosion control and biodiversity rehabilitation can
be assisted by intercropping abaca in former monoculture plantations and rainforest
areas, particularly with coconut palms. Planting abaca can also minimize erosion and
sedimentation problems in coastal areas which are important breeding places for sea
fishes. The water holding capacity of the soil will be improved and floods and
landslides will also be prevented. Abaca waste materials are used as organic fertilizer.

In developing an abaca farm, the recommended distance of planting is 2m x

2m for smaller varieties and 2.5m x 3.0m for larger varieties whether using suckers,
seed pieces or tissue cultured seedlings as planting materials (FIDA, 2010). The site
should include some shade trees, especially important for protecting the young plants
from the sun and the older, taller plants from wind breakage (Bande, et al. 2013).
Leguminous trees are highly recommended because they do not only provide shade
but also enrich the soil with nitrogen through symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria
(Bande, 2012). Abaca planted as a monocrop gives et al. a significantly lower yield
than those planted with annuals intercropped, e.g. legumes. and cereals (Moreno,
1994). It takes 18-24 months (in fertile forestland) and 24-30 months (in open places
with continuous cropping) before abaca can be harvested (Halos, 2008).

Abaca is truly one of the most fascinating natural fibers in the world. It is
considered as the strongest natural fiber since it is three times stronger than sisal
nylon and possess the highest tinsel strength and elongation in both wet and dry state.
FIDA noted that the province of Catanduanes is now the abaca capital of the
Philippines. Since it is the top producer of abaca fiber with the largest area of abaca
plantation. It is also the top producer of abaca farmers in the country. It establishes
the fact that natural fibers, such as abaca, have better characteristics than the common
man-made fibers. The Philippines premier fiber has come a long way from its humble
beginnings as a primary raw material for ropes and cordage. While to date the abaca is
still being used for these purposes, its applications have expanded and improved
tremendously going beyond simply from fiber crafts to the more sophisticated
industrial uses. It is estimated that today, there are thousands of value-added product
and uses of abaca (Abonal, L.V. 2006).

Abaca plants can be propagated by seeds or by vegetative cloning (i.e., sucker,

corm or seed pieces, eye bud or tissue culture). Propagation by seeds, was practiced in
earlier times but no longer used because do not reproduce true to type is seed sand are
used only for breeding work. Vegetative cloning or propagation is widely adopted.
Suckers at least one meter in height with a well-developed root system have been used
traditionally and are best for-replanting of old plantations (Sievert, 2009).

As one of the strongest among natural fibers with the wide array of
applications, the abaca industry continually makes a stronghold in both domestic and
international markets. The growing concerns for environmental protection and forest
conservation have further provided limitless opportunities to abaca-based raw
materials. Considering its superior qualities over other materials, the utilization of
abaca for automotive and industrial application is also on the rise (Aragon, 2000).

Fertilization is one of the cultural management practices to consider in

increasing the yield of abaca. However, small farmers cannot afford the increasing
price of inorganic fertilizer in the market, hence, the use of organic fertilizer is tried
which is locally available and known to give good results when applied to crops.
Biogas digester effluent (BDE) is one of the alternative sources of organic fertilizer. It
is derived from the waste materials of animal residues and is available in liquid and
solid forms (Barnett et al., 1978).

Chemical (inorganic) fertilizers are frequently accused of everything from

“poisoning” the soil to producing less tasty and nutritious food. Should the extension
worker encourage client farmers to forget about chemical fertilizers and use only
organic ones (compost, manure)? The “organic way” is basically very sound because
organic matter (in the form of humus) can add nutrients to the soil and markedly
improve soil physical condition (tilt, water-holding capacity) and nutrient-holding
ability. Unfortunately, some misleading and illusory claims on both sides of the issue
cause a lot of confusion.

Chemical fertilizers supply only nutrients and exert no beneficial effects on

soil physical condition. Organic fertilizers do both. However, compost and manure are
very low-strength fertilizers; 100 kg of 10–5-10 chemical fertilizer contains about the
same amount of N-P-K as 2,000 kg of average farm manure. The organic fertilizers
need to be applied at very high rates (about 20,000 to 40,000 kg/ha per year) to make
up for their low nutrient content and to supply enough humus to measurably improve
soil physical condition (Nancie H. Herbold, in Field Guide to Appropriate
Technology, 2003).

Inorganic fertilizer can provide nutrients that are in short supply, thereby
increasing the initial survival and/or growth rate of introduced plants. Commonly
added nutrients include nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and/or potassium (K). These
are major nutrients that are most commonly limiting for plant growth in peatlands
(Rydin & Jeglum 2013). Fertilizer is usually added immediately before or
immediately after planting. Note that we do not include studies that only report
responses of nurse plants (e.g. Caporn et al. 2007).

According to Urea D. W. James, Extension Soils Specialist (2011), is a low

cost low transport and storage costs. Urea may be the fertilizer of choice when only
nitrogen is needed in a soil fertility program. Urea converts to ammonium bicarbonate
within about 48 hours after field application. Nitrogen in this form will tend to
volatilize to the air as ammonia gas. This lost fertilizer investment risk can be
minimized or eliminated by assuring that the urea gets into the soil and does not
merely remain on the surface of the soil or crop foliage. This can be accomplished by
irrigating in the urea; by plow down soon after surface broadcast application; or by
banding or injecting the urea directly into the soil.

Potash, pronounced pot-ash, is the term commonly used to describe

potassium-containing salts used as fertilizer. Most potash is derived from potassium
chloride (KCl), which is also known as Muriate of Potash (MOP). As a source of
soluble potassium, potash is vital to the agricultural industry as a primary plant
nutrient. Potash increases water retention in plants, improves crop yields, and
influences the taste, texture, and nutritional value of many plants. Potash was
originally made by leaching tree ashes in metal pots. The process left a white residue
on the pot, called “pot ash.” (Ali Somarin, 2014).

Impacts of application of inorganic fertilizers, particularly effects of N

fertilizers on soil physical and chemical properties have been reported earlier. For
instances, from the long-term fertilizer experiments in the country, in general, it was
observed that there was no drastic change in pH and electrical conductivity due to N
treatments. In general, SOC tended to increase after application of N fertilizer.
Available N content of soil increased marginally with continuous application of N
fertilizers and manures, but the effect was no significant over the initial status in most
of the soils irrespective of cropping systems. However, in Palampur (Alfisol) and
Pantnagar (Mollisol), where virgin soils were recently brought under cultivation, SOC
and availability of N decreased from initial values even with application of N (Verma
and Sharma, 2007; Singh et al., 2014).

Crop diseases have led to extensive damage and decline in agricultural

productivity. One such crop disease is the abaca bunchy top disease (ABTD) caused
by the abaca bunchy top virus (ABTV) carried by the brown aphid. Infected crops
exhibit discoloration of leaves from green to orange or yellow, bunching of leaves,
and stunted growth (see Plates 1a and 1b). Therefore, infected plants cannot be
harvested. The spread of the disease is facilitated by the rapid reproductive rate of its
vector, which multiplies fast at a rate of 1-4 nymphs per aphid per day while
regeneration lasts for 17 days. These vectors move from one plant to the next by
crawling and flying, but the fastest methods of dispersal are human activities such as
harvesting, when vectors cling to clothes and harvesting instruments, and transport of
infected plant parts and planting materials from one area to another (Raymundo &
Bajet, 2000).

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are essential macronutrients
which play an important role in plant development. In abaca-based agroecosystems,
NPK limitations strongly affect competition between plants species, as species vary in
their ability to cope with low NPK availability in the soil. Armecin et al. (2011)
reported that in coconut abaca cropping system, abaca growth was suppressed not
only due to exhaustive belowground (nutrient) but also aboveground (light)
competition. Thus, in integrating abaca under multi-strata production systems, one has
to consider radiation interception and the efficiency with which radiation energy is
used to produce photosynthesis since this plays a crucial role in the growth of tree-
crop stands (Balster and Marshall, 2000; Will et al., 2001; Allen et al., 2004;
Kemanian et al., 2004). Likewise, if shading is viewed as a way to cool the leaves and
reduce the vapor pressure deficit, differences in surface air temperature among shaded
abaca plants with reference to abaca grown in full sunlight is another factor that might
affect nutrient uptake (Turner and Lahav, 1985).

In addition, appropriate fertilization can enhance forest productivity by

maintaining soil fertility and improving the structure of the bacterial community.
However, there is still uncertainty surrounding the effects of combined application of
organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil nutrient status and bacterial community
structure. A fertilization experiment was set up in an eight-year-old teak plantation
with five treatments involved: mixed organic and NPK compound fertilizers (OCF),
mixed organic and phosphorus fertilizers (OPF), mixed organic, NPK and phosphorus
fertilizers (OCPF), mixed NPK and phosphorus fertilizers (CPF) and no fertilization
(CK). Soil chemical properties and bacterial communities were investigated, and the
co-occurrence pattern of the bacterial community under different fertilization
treatments was compared. The results showed that the contents of soil organic matter
and nitrate nitrogen, and the soil pH values were the highest after OCPF treatment,
which were 20.39%, 90.91% and 8.16% higher than CK, respectively. The richness
and diversity of bacteria underwent no obvious changes, but the structure of the soil’s
bacterial community was significantly altered by fertilization. Of the dominant
bacteria taxa, the relative abundance increased for Gemmatimonadetes, Myxococcota,
ADurb.Bin063-13 and Candidatus_Koribacter, and decreased for Chloroflexi,
Proteobacteria, JG30-KF-AS9 and Acidothermus under OCPF treatment in
comparison to CK. The number of nodes and edges, the average degree and the
network density of bacterial community co-occurrence networks were the greatest in
OCPF treatment, indicating that application of OCPF could make the network
structure of soil bacteria more stable and complex. Moreover, soil pH and organic
matter were significantly correlated with bacterial community structure and were
considered the main influencing factors. These findings highlight that the combined
application of organic, NPK and phosphorus fertilizers is highly beneficial for
improving soil quality and optimizing bacterial community structure in teak
plantations (Nikolay Bojkov Vassilev and Christopher P. Chanway, 2022).

Map of the Study

 Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

Locale of the Study

The study will be conducted at NEMSU- Bislig Campus, Maharlika Bislig

City which aims to evaluate the growth performance of Abaca from seed propagation
using various inorganic fertilizer. The study will be conducted from September 2022
to December 2022, duration of three (3) months.

Research Design

The research will be laid out by 3 strips planted with 45 Abaca seedlings
(Musa textilis). Analysis of data was done using the one-way ANOVA and Frequency
by each strips contains 15 seedlings.

Strips Fertilizer
1 Complete
2 Urea
3 Potash

Research Materials and Equipments

1. 45 seedlings of Abaca
2. Bolo
3. Cellphone
4. Measuring Tape
5. Pen
6. Shovel
7. Water

Collection of Materials

45 Abaca seedlings was provided by City Organic Agri-Fishery Tourism

Complex (COAFTC), Sta. Cruz, Bislig City. As a result of the species suitability of
the area, the number of seedlings required should be sufficient.

Care, Maintenance and Protection

Watering of the species depends on the weather because the researcher cannot
check regularly; the planted seedlings were monitored four times in a week to ensure
the performance of the survival rate of the said species.

Data Collection

The data collection of the Abaca was undertaken and measured after three (3)
months of planting.
References

https://agris.fao.org%2Fagrissearch%2Fsearch.do%3FrecordID%3DPH9610711

https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=growth%20of
%20abaca*&btnG=&fbclid=IwAR1n1cegaNwdw-QqNE5-
3yjLIsxSsge1RZgnTY5xECZRqEIxBN6r5XohZld=gs_qabs&t=1664457658155&u=%23p
%3DQCKWrOD2As0J

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.5367/0000000053295150?
fbclid=IwAR1otrL9KfudLGwBwD4I8i6yFvTGppEPPn2WPhsdfZtbr_geCK4Zxj8-mDw

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/10/5/958/htm?
fbclid=IwAR1X4bCye8ESUrkY9h5gaU6SrrngxcS3LiMp9arYkX8gKDQNNjqQPITYGeU

https://mindanaoagribusiness.blogspot.com/2006/06/popular-abaca-technologies.html?
m=1&fbclid=IwAR1X4bCye8ESUrkY9h5gaU6SrrngxcS3LiMp9arYkX8gKDQNNjqQPITYGeU

https://www.conservationevidence.com/actions/1826?fbclid=IwAR3votcJf-https://
www.researchgate.net/publication/
337559760_GROWTH_AND_FIBER_YIELD_OF_ABACA_HYBRIDS_UNDER_COMPOSTELA_VAL
LEY_PROVINCE_PHILIPPINES_CONDITION?fbclid=IwAR1n1cegaNwdw-QqNE5-
3yjLIsxSsge1RZgnTY5xECZRqEIxBN6r5XohZlsvD5iasDThTKukKhBmYzwPv0e_TWU_h96CHHXE
w7PBtN67s3Bc

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
37618581_The_Role_of_Abaca_Musa_textilis_in_the_Household_Economy_of_a_Forest_Vil
lage?fbclid=IwAR1aLgE7fY7q9nTXdnDxL6dh9FDxtfOdzLPp7HRoKM9Z3yZrBDN9Ku29KoU
https://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?
recordID=PH2014000289&fbclid=IwAR0MLA0Q2l7fN3yaBHDNL1gBEd7q1r5BUFC3eh0Quu10
gUX3yKJqfEnSFCE