GE 111 - TECHNICAL WRITING

EXERCISE / DRILL

NAME: __________________________________ I. D. Number: ____________________

Read the following research article. Using a red-ink pen, make some necessary corrections
bearing in mind the ideas you gained from the basics of technical writing. As you review the
entire paper, you may also incorporate your suggestions to improve the technical quality of the
paper.

As your output, kindly rewrite the whole paper taking into account the corrections you made and
the suggestions you wish to be considered. Submit this mark-up sheet and the revised paper on
the last retrieval of module.

GROWTH AND YIELD OF CUCUMBER (Cucumis sativus L.) APPLIED WITH

DIFFERENT LEVELS OF VERMI TEA

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted at the Experimental Area of the Agriculture Department,
College of Agriculture and Forestry, Capiz State University Burias Campus, to determine the
growth and yield of cucumber applied with different levels of vermi tea. The study has five
treatments replicated three times, namely: Treatment A- inorganic fertilizer (positive control),
Treatment B-10% vermi tea, Treatment C-20% vermi tea, Treatment D-30% vermi tea, and
Treatment E-no fertilizer application (negative control). It was conducted using the Randomized
Complete Block Design replicated three times. All the data gathered were subjected to the
analysis of variance using F-test and the results were interpreted at 5% and 1 % levels of
significance. LSD was used to determine the differences among treatment means.

The results of the study revealed that all the data on plant growth except the length of the
cucumber fruits were not significantly affected by the application of different levels of vermi tea.
The data on length of fruits revealed that plants applied with 30 % vermi tea had the longest fruit
and this was found comparable with the fruit length of those plants applied with 10 % vermi tea,
and 20 % vermi tea. The shortest fruit length was recorded from those plants applied with
inorganic fertilizer, which found comparable with those plants with no fertilizer application.

As to the yield, all the parameters taken except the number of non-marketable fruits were
not significantly affected by the application of the different levels of vermi tea. For number of
non-marketable fruits, cucumber plants with no fertilizer application produced the highest
number of non-marketable fruits. The least number of marketable fruits was recorded from plants
applied with 20 % vermi tea, although this was found comparable to those applied with 30 %, 10
% vermi tea, and inorganic fertilizers.
 INTRODUCTION

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. It is an annual

herbaceous creeping plant with an oblong fruits which probably originated in Northern India.
The plant is a tender annual with succulent, rough, trailing stem and hairy leaves with pointed
lobes; the stem bears branched tendrils by which the plant can suspend itself. It possesses a tap
root system measuring up to 1 m in length with the lateral roots occupying 10 - 30 cm of the
upper soil layer. The food value of the fruits is low, but its delicate flavor makes it popular
vegetables for salad and relishes (encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Cucumis sativus). The
cucumber fruit can be served in different ways. They may be cooked or eaten in raw form like
salad or pickle(www.indepthinfo.com/cucumbers/history.htm.).

Cucumbers, like watermelons, are 95% water. It could keep the body hydrated and help
regulate inner temperature and help flush out toxins. The skin of cucumber contains a good
amount of vitamin C, rich in fiber that contains potassium, magnesium, and silica. It can be used
to relieve sunburn and mild skin irritations. A study by DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop
Hypertension) show that eating cucumbers can help lower blood pressure by 5.5 points in some
hypertension prone individuals. (www.gardeningchannel.com/the-health-benefits-of-
cucumbers/).

Vermi tea or worm tea, on the other hand, is a liquid form of organic fertilizer formed
from vermicomposting. It is an intricately prepared mixture of Oxygenated waterand worm
Castings. It is a complex solution which contains microbes like bacteria,fungi, protozoa, and
other useful nematodes. Since it is liquid in form, it is easily absorbed and taken up by the plants
and therebyexpected to be achieved from the worm application. Worm tea can be applied also by
spraying (madebyworms.com/blog/).

The tea is filled with billions of beneficial microorganisms which are the workhorses of a
healthy, productive soil and plants. It increases production and nutrient content of vegetables and
fruits, as well as disease protection and eradication. It is also known to increase both plant size
and yield due to interaction of worm tea microbes with the soil microbes, protozoa, soil particles
and the roots of the plant itself. The organisms in worm tea also produce hormones, vitamins,
nutrients, enzymes, amino acid and minerals needed by seedlings, cuttings, young plants and
vegetables. (www.yelmworms.com/compost tea).

Since inorganic fertilizer is very expensive and harmful to the environment and health of
human beings, it is a necessity to look for a substitute. The researcher thought of vermi tea,
hence, this study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of vermi tea on the
growth and yield of cucumber.

Objectives of the Study

 The study was conducted with the general aim of determining the growth and yield of
cucumber applied with different levels of vermi tea. Specifically, it aimed to determine the:

1. Growth and yield of cucumber applied with different levels of vermi tea; and

2. Level of vermi tea that promoted the best growth and yield of cucumber.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Materials

The materials used in the study are the following: cucumber seeds, growing media,
vermicast, molasses, inorganic fertilizer, aerator sprinkler, seed boxes, straw lace, meter stick,
knives, garden string, spade, spoon, iron plow, working animals, harrow, spade, shovel, bolo,
trowel, caliper, pails, ruler, record notebook, tape measure, ballpen, and paper.

Experimental Methods

Experimental treatments. This study was composed of five treatments representing the
different levels of vermi tea, namely: Treatment A- inorganic fertilizer (positive control),
Treatment B-10% vermi tea, Treatment C-20% vermi tea, Treatment D-30% vermi tea, and
Treatment E- no fertilizer application (negative control). Each treatment was replicated three
times.

Experimental design and layout. The study was arranged in Randomized Complete
Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. It was composed of fifteen plots to accommodate
the five treatments.

Cultural Practices

Preparing the experimental area. The experimental area was prepared by alternate
plowing and harrowing. A week interval between operations was observed to pulverize the soil,
level the land, and remove any weed and plant debris. After thorough land preparation, fifteen
plots measuring 1 x 3 m were constructed in east-west direction. Each plot was spaced 0.5
meters.

Preparation of seed boxes and soil media. Seed boxes were prepared with the
dimension of 2ft x 2 ft x 2 in and filled with soil media composed of equal mixture of ordinary
garden soil, sand, and compost. The mixture was sterilized by dry heat sterilization to kill the
soil-borne microorganisms.

Sowing of seeds. Cucumber seeds were obtained from the East West Company and were
sown in the seed boxes at a distance of 10 cm. They were allowed to germinate until they were
able to produce three fully expanded true leaves.
 Care after sowing. The seeds were sufficiently watered after sowing with the use of a
hand sprinkler to hasten seed germination. One week before transplanting the seedlings were
hardened by gradually exposing them to sunlight.

Preparing the holes. One week before the transplanting schedule, holes with one foot
deep and one foot wide were dug using a spade. The holes were filled with decomposed rice
straw and soil at 1:1 ratio.

Transplanting the seedlings. Cucumber seedlings having three pieces of true leaves
were transplanted at a distance of 40 x 50 cm. The newly transplanted seedlings were covered
with banana bracts during intense sunlight to avoid wilting.

Preparation and application of vermi tea. The pail was filled with 20 liters-chlorine-
free water, 600 ml molasses were added in the water and were mixed well until the molasses was
fully diluted. Hoses attached to an aerator were placed inside the pail to supply oxygen to the
mixture. One liter or a kilo of vermicompost was placed in the cheesecloth bag and were tied
with a string to facilitate drawing out the bag from the liquid after fermentation. The bag
containing vermi compost was submerged in the water and the aerator was turned on for 48
hours to allow the brewing process to take place. The mixture was covered to prevent
contamination by dust and insects. The resulting mixture was free from bad odors and has
pleasant and earthy smell. To harvest the solution, a funnel was used to transfer the liquid into a
sprayer and was sprayed immediately. The amount of vermi tea as specified in the treatment
were mixed in a liter of water and sprayed on the plots two weeks before transplanting and every
week thereafter. For the weekly application the solution was applied on the plot and the plants.

Application of inorganic fertilizer. Complete fertilizer at a rate of 10 g/hill was applied

to plants in the designated plots. Side dressing with urea at a rate of 10 g/hill was done on the
15th and 30th day after transplanting.

Cultivating and watering. Cultivation was done every other week. The plants were
watered daily except during rainy days when moisture was available.

Construction of trellis. Trellis made of kakawate poles and plastic straw laces were
constructed. The trellises measured 7 m long, 3 m wide and 1 m high,

Crop protection measures. Cleanliness and sanitation of the area was practiced
throughout the duration of the study to prevent infestation of pests and disease. When pest
infestation occurred mechanical control like hand picking and crushing of pest were employed.

Bagging. The fruits were wrapped with old newspaper after fruit setting to avoid injury
and to obtain good quality fruits.

Harvesting. The fruits of cucumber were harvested as the bottom ends rounded out well
and the outer rind smoothens. The fruits were harvested manually by using sharp knife.
Data Gathering

Plant height. This was measured in centimeter from the base of the plant at the ground
level to the tip of the longest leaf using tape measure during the termination of the study. The
whole plant was stretched to facilitate measurement.

Stem girth. This was taken by measuring the distance around the stem of the plant one
inch from the ground, by encircling a straw lace and stretching it in the tape measure. The data
was taken every other week.

Length of harvested fruits. The length of harvested fruits from the five samples every
harvest were measured using a calibrated tape measure. This was done by measuring the distance
from the base to the tip of the fruit.

Diameter of the fruits. The diameter of the fruits was taken by measuring the distance
across the widest portion of a fruit using a caliper.

Number of days from transplanting to flowering. This data was taken by counting the
number of days from transplanting to flowering

Total number of fruits. This was obtained by getting the sum of all the fruits from the
first priming until the 10th priming.

Number of marketable fruits. The number of marketable fruits was taken by counting
the fruits free from any damage caused by pests and diseases, and not deformed in shape.

Number of non-marketable fruits. The number of non-marketable fruits was taken by

counting the number of fruits damaged by pests and disease, and deformed in shape.

Statistical Tools and Analysis

All the data gathered from the study were subjected to the Analysis of Variance using F-
test and was interpreted at 5% and 1% levels of significance. Mean differences among treatments
was determined using the Least Significant Difference test (LSD).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Plant Height at Harvest

Data on plant height at harvest show that plants with no fertilizer produced the tallest
height with a mean of 344.52 cm. This was followed in descending order by those plants applied
with inorganic fertilizer (341.40 cm), 10 % vermi tea (338.03 cm and 20 % vermi tea (327.41
cm). The shortest plant height was taken from plants applied with 30% vermi tea with a mean of
307.35 cm.
 Analysis of Variance shows that the result was not significant. This indicates that the
height of cucumber plants at harvest was not affected by the application of the different levels of
vermi tea.

Stem Girth

Data on the stem girth of cucumber as affected by different levels of vermi tea show that
biggest stem girth was measured from plants applied with 20 % vermi tea with a mean of 3.45
cm. This was followed by those plants applied with 10 % vermi tea, 30 % vermi tea, and
inorganic fertilizers with the means of 3.39 cm, 3.34 cm, and 3.26 cm, respectively. The smallest
stem girth was taken from plants with no fertilizer application with a mean of 3.20 cm.

The Analysis of Variance reveals that the result was not significant. This implies that the
stem girth of cucumber was not affected by the application of the different levels of vermi tea.

Length of Fruits

Statistical analysis of the data on length of cucumber fruits was highly significant. This
indicates that the length of cucumber fruits was affected by the application of the different levels
of vermi tea. The data and LSD test reflect that plants applied with 30% vermi tea got the longest
fruit of 20.25 cm and this was found comparable with the fruit length of those plants applied with
10 % vermi tea with a mean of 20 24 cm, and 20 % vermi tea with a mean of 19.87 cm. The
shortest fruit length was recorded from those plants applied with inorganic fertilizer with a mean
of 18.61 cm, which was found comparable with those plants with no fertilizer application with a
mean of 18.94 cm.

Diameter of the Fruits

The data for this parameter reveal that plants applied with 30% vermi tea possessed the
biggest fruit diameter (4.82 cm), and this was followed by those plants applied with 10% and
20% vermi tea with the same mean of 4.71 cm. Plants with no fertilizer application followed next
with a mean of 4.63 cm, while the smallest fruit diameter was recorded from plants applied with
inorganic fertilizers (4.60 cm).

The Analysis of Variance reveals that the result was not significant. This means that the
fruit diameter of cucumber was not influenced by the application of different levels of vermi tea.

Biomass

The data show that plants with no fertilizer application produced the heaviest biomass of
448.67 g. This was followed by plants applied with inorganic fertilizer (444.67 g), 20 % vermi
tea (437.67 g), and 30% vermi tea (406.67 g). The lowest biomass was obtained from plants
applied with 10% vermi tea with a mean of 378.67 g.
 The Analysis of Variance reveals that the result was not significant which connotes that
the biomass of cucumber was not affected by the different levels of vermi tea.

Number of Days from Transplanting to Flowering

The data on the number of days from transplanting to flowering of cucumber plants
applied with different levels of vermi tea reflect that plants with no fertilizer application got the
longest time to flower with a mean of 18.00 days. This was followed in descending order by
those plants applied with 30% vermi tea (16.53 days), 20 % vermi tea (16.07 days), and 10%
vermi tea. The earliest to flower were those plants applied with inorganic fertilizer (15.67 days).

The Analysis of Variance reveals that the result was not significant. This implies that the
number of days from transplanting to flowering was not affected by the different levels of vermi
tea.

Total Number of Fruits

Data reveal that cucumber plants with no fertilizer application and applied with inorganic
fertilizer gave the highest number of harvested fruits with the same mean of 79.33. This was
followed by those plants applied with 30% vermi tea with a mean of 74.67, while plants applied
with 10% and 20% vermi tea got the lowest number of harvested fruits with the same means of
73.67.

The Analysis of Variance reveals that the result was not significant. This indicates that
the total number of fruits of the cucumber plant was not affected by the different levels of vermi
tea.

Number of Marketable Fruits

Cucumber plants applied with inorganic fertilizers produced the most number of
marketable fruits with a mean of 57.00. This was followed by those plants applied with 20%
vermi tea (56.00), 30% vermi tea (55.67), and 10 % vermi tea (54.67). The lowest number of
marketable fruit was obtained from plants with no fertilizer application with a mean of 52.00.

The Analysis of Variance reveals that the result was not significant. This means that the
number of marketable fruits of cucumber was not affected by the different levels of vermi tea.

Number of Non-marketable Fruits

The Analysis of Variance for number of non-marketable fruits shows a significant result,
which means that the parameter was affected by the application of the different levels of vermi
tea. Data and LSD test reveal that cucumber plants with no fertilizer application produced the
highest number of non-marketable fruits (27.33). The least number of marketable fruits was
recorded from plants applied with 20% vermi tea (17.67) although this was found comparable
with those applied with 30% vermi tea (19.00), 10 % vermi tea (19.00), and inorganic fertilizers
(22.33).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of the study, the following conclusions are drawn:

1. All growth parameters except the length of fruits were not significantly affected by the
application of different levels of vermi tea.

2. For the length of fruits, plants applied with 30 % vermi tea got the longest fruit length
and this was found comparable with the fruit length of those plants applied with 10%
vermi tea, and 20 % vermi tea.

3. For yield, all the parameters taken except the number of non-marketable fruits were not
significantly affected by the application of different levels of vermi tea.

4. For number of non-marketable fruits, plants applied with 20 % vermi tea got the lowest
mean, although this was found comparable with those applied with 30%, 10 % vermi tea,
and inorganic fertilizers.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the results of the study, the following recommendations are forwarded:

1. Use 10 % vermi tea as fertilizer in growing cucumber.

2. For longer and less number of non-marketable fruits, use 10% vermi tea.

3. Conduct similar studies using other fruit and leafy vegetables and include the cost and
return analysis as one of the parameters in the studies to be conducted.

LITERATURE CITED

www.indepthinfo.com/cucumbers/history.htm. “History of cucumber”. Date Retrieved August

18, 2012

http://madebyworms.com/blog/#ixzz22YQ7bh3X. “Organic fertilizer made by worms”. Date

Retrieved August 21, 2012.

Encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Cucumis sativus. "Cucumis sativus". Date Retrieved.

August 22, 2012

www.yelmworms.com/compost-tea. “Teas - worm castings and soils”. Date Retrieved.

September 12, 2012
www.gardeningchannel.com/the-health-benefits-of-cucumbers. "The health benefits of
cucumbers - gardening channel." Date Retrieved. September 12