9 Chapter-1

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Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a bush or vine crop, growing rapidly within 90
to 150 days. It is one leading vegetable in the Philippines based on the value of
production. This vegetable crop commands a high price. Tomato is one of the most
popular vegetables. They are easy to grow, cheap, and healthy. Moreover, they can be
used and processed in many different ways. They can be used in soups, sauces, and salads
and are delicious on bread. Tomato comes from the same family as chili peppers,
potatoes, squash, and tobacco. This family is called the nightshade family (Solanaceae).
Botanically speaking, tomato is a berry and is classified as a fruit. Most people call it a
vegetable though, just as they do in horticulture. (RJ Massier, 2000)
Tomatoes are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has
been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer.
They are also a great source of Vitamin C, potassium, folate, and Vitamin K. ( Adda,
Bjarnadottir 2019)
Applying moringa leaf extract (MLE) is a cheap and environment-friendly
organic technology that increases the growth of most vegetable crops like rape, cabbage,
and tomato, and field crops including maize and common beans. Moringa leaf extract
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increases growth and yields of tomatoes. The higher the frequency of moringa
application, the greater the increase in plant height, dry matter, and yield of the crop.
Hence, moringa leaf extract can be used as an organic fertilizer for farmers. The effect of
moringa leaf extract is analogous to the synthetic hormonal effect because the extract
contains zeatin, a purine adenine derivative of plant hormone group cytokinin (Makkar
et al., 2007) and this zeatin enhances the antioxidant properties of many enzymes and
protects the cells from aging effects of reactive oxygen species (Zhang and Ervin,
2004).
Objectives of the Study
Generally, the objective of the study is to determine the effect of moringa leaf
extract as foliar fertilizer for tomatoes. Specifically, it aimed to determine the best level
of moringa leaf extract that will give the best result in tomatoes in terms of growth and
yield.
Significance of the Study
Tomato, scientifically known as Solanum lycopersicum is an important and
popular vegetable grown in many parts of the world. The fruit is used as an ingredient in
many food preparations and is regarded as one of the most profitable crops for off-season
production.
For the farmers, fertilizer application is one way of increasing production and
therefore, attaining higher profit. Moreover, knowing the proper rate of fertilizer
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application is very necessary for vegetable growing for it minimizes losses, as well as
gives immediate favorable effects to plants. The foliar fertilizer is applied to the plant
through the leaves. It was found that very few farmers use foliar fertilizer because they
lack sufficient or proper information on its use and its beneficial effects. Hence, the
results of studies along this line are of vital importance to farmers and future vegetable
producers.
This study relative to the utilization of moringa leaf extract as foliar fertilizer for
tomatoes may help not only in solving the problem of expensive commercial foliar
fertilizer but also re-direct the farmers in organic farming and production.
Moringa leaves are rich in many compounds that can help promote the growth of
most plants. When moringa leaf extract (MLE) is applied at an optimized dose, it
increases growth, alleviates biotic and abiotic stresses, and sometimes improves the
quality and yield of the produce. (Shazad Basra 2016).
Time and Place of the Study
This study was conducted at Brgy. Caranglaan, Mabini, Pangasinan from October
23, 2021 to Ferbruary 1, 2022.
Operational Definition of Terms
Farmgate price- the price of tomato direct from the producer

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Foliar fertilizer - is a plant nutrient formulation, developed for application in the leaves,
and its effects solve nutrient deficiency in plants and promotes overall plant
health. In this study, the moringa leaf extract is used as foliar fertilizer.
Growth - refers to the increase in the height of the tomato plant.
Hill - a group of two or more plants growing together.
Marketable Fruits- fruits that are fitted to be offered for sale in the market without
damage and command a good price.
Non- Marketable Fruits- fruits that are not fitted to be sold in the market because they
are extremely damaged by insect pests and diseases.
Moringa Leaf Extract- this refers to the liquid extract from moringa used as foliar
fertilizer for tomato.
Yield- the product obtained from the tomato plants expressed in kilogram per hectare.

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1

Background of the Study

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a bush or vine crop, growing rapidly within 90

vegetable though, just as they do in horticulture. (RJ Massier, 2000)

Applying moringa leaf extract (MLE) is a cheap and environment-friendly

Objectives of the Study

Significance of the Study

Tomato, scientifically known as Solanum lycopersicum is an important and

quality and yield of the produce. (Shazad Basra 2016).

Time and Place of the Study

23, 2021 to Ferbruary 1, 2022.

Operational Definition of Terms

Farmgate price- the price of tomato direct from the producer

Growth - refers to the increase in the height of the tomato plant.

Hill - a group of two or more plants growing together.

damage and command a good price.

are extremely damaged by insect pests and diseases.

fertilizer for tomato.

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