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Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

Rationale

“Cucurbita maxima”, commonly known as winter squash, is a popular and

economically important crop in many regions of the world. In the Philippines,

squash is a traditional widely grown vegetable and its production is essential for

food security and agricultural sustainability. However, over the period 2019 to

2020, there were no recorded imports and exports of squash production.

With a focus on organic farming and sustainable practices, farmers in the

country are increasingly avoiding pesticides and opting for organic or

environmentally friendly products to control insects and diseases. However, it is

noticeable that some farmers still follow conventional methods to increase their

yield without considering the adverse effects of synthetic chemicals used on their

farms and in their crops.

Due to the overuse of synthetic fertilizers, plants may experience

yellowing leaves, damage, and reduced yield. Continuous use of chemical

fertilizers can also lead to leaf burn and plant damage. To address this issue, the

application of foliar fertilizers directly onto the plants can efficiently provide

essential nutrients that are readily absorbed by the plant, promoting growth and

overall plant health.

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Thus, the researchers conducted this study to determine the performance

of squash when applied with different foliar fertilizers. It aims to assist farmers in

making informed decisions regarding the selection and use of foliar fertilizers.

Literature Background

The following related reading served as the legal bases of the study:

Section 2 of the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 states the policy of the

State to promote, propagate, develop further and implements the practice of

Organic agriculture in the Philippines that will cumulatively condition and enrich

the fertility of the soil, increase the farm productivity, reduce pollution and

destruction of the environment, prevent and depletion of the natural resources,

further protect the health of the farmers, consumers, and general public, and

save on imported farm inputs. Towards this end, a comprehensive program for

the promotion of community-based organic agriculture system which include,

among others, farmers produced purely organic fertilizer such as compost,

pesticides, and other farm inputs, together with a nationwide educational and

promotional campaign for their use and processing as well as adoption of organic

agriculture system as a viable alternatives shall be undertaken (Zubiri, 2010).

In accordance to R.A. No. 7900, Section 2, “hereby the policy of the State

to accelerate the growth and development of agriculture, and general, enhance

productivity and income of farmers and the rural population, improve investment,

climate, competencies and efficiency of agribusiness, and develop high value

crops that will significantly augment the foreign exchange earnings of the
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country, through an all-out promotion of the production, processing, marketing

and distribution of high-value crops in suitable areas of the country”.

The following related literatures provided background information and

explanation about this study:

As written by the Institute of Plant Breeding University of the Philippines

Los Baños Laguna (2008), squash is botanically known as “Cucurbita maxima”

and is commonly grown in the Philippines throughout the year. It is usually grown

in home gardens and in commercial scale for its immature fruits, young shoots,

flowers, and seeds. Furthermore, Smith, B.D (2006) stated that squash generally

refer to four species of the genus, Curcurbita, also called marrows depending on

variety or the nationality of the speaker. These species include C. maxima

(hubbard squash, buttercup squash and some verities of prize pumpkins, such as

Big Max), C. Mixta (cushaw squash), C. moschata (butternut squash), and C.

pepo most pumpkins’, orn squash, summer squash, and zuchinní (Gizelle Tagle,

2020).

Squash also known as calabazaor pumpkin, from the Cucurbitaceae

family, is a genus of gourd plants grown for their fruit. It is related to the family of

melons and cucumbers. It is a cool-to-moderate-weather root vegetable with

long, lacy leaves reaching about 0.3m (1ft) in height (Grolier Encyclopedia of

Knowledge, 2002). It is a very good source of vitamins A And C, calcium and

iron. It has very low calories (Nutritional Value of Squash | Healthy Living

Tips, 2009). It is also rich in fiber, which lowers rates heart diseases, and

protects from colon cancer by working to get rid the body of harmful substances.
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Due to its healthy benefits, the future researchers are determined to produce

squash powder out of raw for easy use (Brien, 2009).

During the last decade, there was a steady trend to reduce the use of

mineral fertilizers, specially soil applied such as nutrients nitrogen (N),

phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) (Haytova 2013). This fact creates a

precondition to increase the importance of foliar fertilization as an alternative to

meet plant nutrient demand during the growing season. The interest on foliar

fertilization has risen as a result of the many advantages of the methods of

application of foliar nutrients, such as rapid and effective response to plant

needs, regardless of soil conditions (Kerin and Berova 2003). Additional foliar

application during the growth and development of crops can improve their

nutrient balance, which lead to an increase in yield and quality (Kolota and

Osinska, 2001).

According to Fageria et al. (2009), the interest in foliar sprays increased

because of the development of high concentration soluble fertilizers and

development of machinery for spraying fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides

and overhead irrigation which further facilitated the application of nutrients to

crops in the form of sprays. Foliar fertilization cannot substitute soil fertilization in

all cases, but it can supplement soil application and can be used in sustainable

crop production. Advances in agriculture include reducing the cost of crop

production, maintaining soil quality, potential increase of agro ecosystems,

human, and animal health. Use of nutrients in adequate amounts and its

methods of application associated with these objectives (Kannan, 2010).

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Foliar fertilization has several advantages. It can be applied throughout

the growing season, which enables to spray with small quantity and composition

of the nutrient solution, appropriate to the specific requirements in different

phases of the crop development. Foliar application may sometimes facilitate

the rapid absorption of mineral elements and avoiding the occurrence of soil

interactions. In these nutrients, they cannot be immobilized and remain

unavailable for root uptake. Capability of root system for better absorption of

nutrients from the soil solution is stimulated (Kerin and Berova, 2003).

One example of foliar fertilizers is Fish amino acid (FAA). It is a liquid

made from fish that is known to be an effective organic liquid fertilizer. It is cheap

that can be also made easily. FAA is of great value to the growth of both plants

and microorganisms because it contains an abundant amount of nutrients and

various types of amino acids and constitute a source of nitrogen (N) for plants.

Blue and back colored fishes give a good amount of FAA. It is absorbed directly

by the crops and it also stimulates the activity of microorganisms. It is a good

fertilizer since it enhances the growth of crops during their vegetative growth

when used with other natural farming materials (SARRA, 2015).

Fish emulsions have been documented to promote seedling growth

(Murray and Anderson 2004), fruiting (Aung and Flick 1980), and microbe

action in the soil (El-Tarabily et al. 2003). One such emulsion, fish amino acid

(FAA), is produced by fermenting fresh fish by-products (bones, head, skin, and

other tankage parts) with brown sugar. FAA is used in conjunction with other

Natural Farming inputs and applied as either a light foliar mist or a soil drench to
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maximize uptake and minimize runoff or leaching, providing just enough N to

the plant for optimum uptake and the production of chlorophyll to maintain

plant health.

On the other hand, fermented seaweeds have played an important role on

the plant growth which provides plants with very comprehensive nutrients and the

endogenous plant growth regulators. It has significant effect on the plant growth

to stimulate plants to generate specific biological factors and amino acids which

can be absorbed easily by the roots and leaves of plants as nutrients directly and

enhance the plants resistance to drought, cold pest and diseases. It can be used

in any stage of plant from seedling to harvest and its specific stability of biological

products. Thus, it can be mixed with organic fertilizer to enhance biological

activity and fertilizer efficiency (Dongyang Lianfeng Biologica Technology Co.,

Ltd., 2001).

Fermented seaweeds also contain various nutrients of macro and micro

elements including N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Mo, B, etc. as well as 18

kinds of protein amino acids, plant growth regulators such as auxins, cytokinin,

gibberellins, vitamins, nucleotides, alginic acids, humic acids, and counter stress

genes. These macro and micro elements can be easily absorbed by plants and it

will stimulate plants to generate specific biological factors, which may promote

plant growth (Dongyang Lianfeng Biological Technology Co., Ltd., 2001).

Lastly, Fermented fruit juice, also known as FFJ, acts as organic fertilizer

for plants and gardens. This liquid increases nutrients in the soil; therefore, in the

plants growing on it, especially potassium levels. This concoction can be made at
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home from any common fruits and costs far less than purchasing organic liquid

fertilizer. The fermenting process takes at least a week to complete, but may take

a month or longer. Overripe sweet fruits are ideal for creating fermented fruit

juice. It is used as a foliar spray to enhance fruit quality, as a feed supplements,

and as a food supplement for humans. In general, FFJ is generally used more

during the flowering and fruiting stage. Fermented Fruit Juice (FFJ) is made from

sweet ripe fruits, fruit vegetables and root crops. Thoroughly blended with crude

sugar or molasses and stored for a short period of time, the fermented extract is

applied to the plants to promote flowering and setting.

Fermented fruit juice is used to increase the sweetness and yield of

fruiting plants while also building healthier soil, similar to how fermented plant

juice is used to improve the soil and increase the production of leafy plants in

gardens. Scientific studies on FFJ have yielded a variety of results, despite the

fact that they have only been conducted in tropical and sub-tropical zones thus

far. Because the studies raise more questions than they answer, it’s difficult to

sort through the results. Although, anecdotal evidence. Provided by an increasing

number of organic, natural, and permaculture farmers around the world may hold

the answers. When we consider anecdotal evidence in light of scientific evidence

on the hyper-locality of the soil microbiome, we may come to some conclusions

about FFJ and its application in our own gardens (Joanalyn Lata, 2021).
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The following related studies are taken from previous research on this

topic which gives proof and evidence as to the existence of this type of research:

A study titled "Bio-organic Fertilizer on Pechay Homegarden in Cotabato)"

was conducted to determine the bio-organic fertilizer and levels of application

that could gave favorable response on the growth and yield of pechay planted

in a home garden at Arakan, Cotabato. Result of the study revealed that FFJ

responded significantly better as compared to FPJ on plant height, number of

plant leaves and yield in grams per plant. In the case of the levels of

application, higher application levels (6tbsp/lit. H2O) excelled on all

parameters tested (plant height, number of plant leaves and yield). This

implies that higher concentration of FPJ diluted on water will promote

better growth and development of pechay plant emphasizing development of

the physical and biological properties of the soil (Corpuz, 2015).

Another study titled "The Growth and Yield Response of Bell Pepper To

Fermented Fruit Juice and Fish Fertilizer" was conducted to compare the

difference in terms of height,number of leaves and number of yield among the

four treatments, namely, fish gills emulsion fertilizer, fermented fruit juice

fertilizer, commercial fertilizer and no fertilizer applied at all. The researchers

found out that the fish gills emulsion fertilizer produced the best plants in terms of

height, number of leaves, number of yield against and weight of yield against the

other experimental treatment, fermented fruit juice fertilizer. It was also found out

that the fish gills emulsion fertilizer produced almost the same crops than that of

commercial fertilizer; therefore, it is comparable with commercial fertilizer.The

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researchers therefore conclude that the fish gills emulsion fertilizer is comparable

to commercial fertilizer and may be one of the best fertilizers to be utilized for

growing bell pepper (Tadle, 2011).

Lastly, study titled "Impact of Seaweed Liquid Extract Biostimulant on

Growth, Yield, and Chemical Composition of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)" was

conducted to determine the comparableness of the performance of a commercial

seaweed extract (True Algae Max (TAM)) as a foliar spray application on

cucumber Cucumis sativus in greenhouse with regard to conventional NPK foliar

spray fertilizing routines, as a step on the way to adopting the usage of

biostimulants rather than chemical ones. Promising measured parameter

outcomes showed the potentiality of applying TAM with and without mixes of

ordinary NPK application. TAM could increase cucumber yield due to improving

chemical and physical features related to immunity, productivity, and stress

defense. In conclusion, it is better to avoid applying mineral fertilizers,

considering also that the organic agricultural and welfare sectors could shortly

depend on such biotechnological tools and use them to fulfill global food

demands for improved sustainability (Hassan et al., 2021).

THE PROBLEM

Statement of the Problem

The general objective of this study is to determine the performance of

squash (Cucurbita maxima) when applied with different foliar fertilizers.

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Specifically, the study aims to answer the following questions:

1. What foliar fertilizers affect the performance of squash in terms of:

1.1 Number of days to flowering;

1.2 Number of leaves per plant;

1.3 Final plant height (cm);

1.4 Number of fruits per plant; and

1.5 Fruit yield (g)?

2. Is there a significant difference among the treatments on the performance

of squash?

Null Hypothesis

There is no significant difference among the treatments on the

performance of squash.

Significance of the Study

The results of the study will help and benefit the following:

Farmers. The study’s findings provide valuable insights into how different

foliar fertilizers impact crop growth in squash, leading to improved yield outcomes

and enhanced productivity for farmers.

Academe. The outputs of this study are beneficial to students and

instructors in the field, serving as a basis for further research exploring

interactions between squash and different foliar fertilizers.

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Local Government Unit. The findings contribute valuable data for

planning across various sectors within the Local Government Unit.

Community. The study serves as a reference for the community,

promoting the best foliar fertilizers in squash cultivation to ensure food security to

enhance the availability of nutritious produce.

Future Researchers. The findings are applicable for farmers and

agricultural practitioners to optimize the performance of squash in different foliar

fertilizers.
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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Experimental Site

The experimental will be conducted from___to _in Talibon Polytechnic

College, San Isidro, Talibon, Bohol.

Experimental Design and Treatment

The experimental area will be laid out in a Randomized Complete Block

Design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Each replication is divided into 4 plots with

dimension of 3×4 meters and a 1-meter alleyway between blocks and a distance

of 0.5 meter between plots. Moreover, each plot consisting of 12 hills will be

planted at a distance of 0.75 by 0.75 meter and applied with different foliar

fertilizers. These are designated as follows: Treatment 1- Control (1 liter of

water), Treatment 2- Fermented Fruit Juice ( 5 tbsp/ liter of water), Treatment 3-

Fish Amino Acid( 5 tbsp/ liter of water), and Treatment 4- Fermented Seaweeds (

5 tbsp/ liter of water).

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R1 R2 R3

3m T0 T1 T2
1m
4m

T1 T2 T3

0.5m
14.5m 4m m
T2 T3 T0

T3 T0 T1

15m

Area: 217.50 m2
Plot size: 3m x 4m or 12 m2
Alleyway: 1 m
Border: 0.5 m
Legend:
Treatment 1- Control (1 liter of water)
Treatment 2- Fermented Fruit Juice ( 5 tbsp/ liter of water)
Treatment 3- Fish Amino Acid ( 5 tbsp/ liter of water)
Treatment 4- Fermented Seaweeds ( 5 tbsp/ liter of water)

Figure 1. Field lay-out of the experiment using Randomized Complete Block

Design
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Materials and Equipment

The materials and equipment that are used in the conduct of this study

includes: mechanical plow and harrow, squash seeds, seedling tray, bolo,

shovel, pick mattock, digging bar, meter stick, weighing scale, foliar fertilizers

(Fish Amino Acid, Kuhol Amino Acid, and Fermented Seaweeds), labels,

ballpen/pencil, record notebook, dipper, pail, and camera.

Procedure

Land Preparation. The area of 217.5 square meters is prepared

thoroughly by cultivating and pulverizing the soil to set the soil for planting. Then,

lay-outing of the experimental design in the area followed. Afterwards, labels will

be employed to provide guide in putting foliar fertilizers.

Procurement of Seeds. The seeds of squash are purchased from an

Agrivet supply in Talibon, Bohol. In this study, the researchers used 1 variety of

squash.

Production of Seedlings. Six pieces of 128-cell seedling tray are

procured and filled with sterilized medium composed of vermicompost,

carbonized rice hull and garden soil with the ratio of 1:1:1. The medium is

moistened after filling them into the trays. Thirty six grams of squash seeds are

sown singly into each cell of the trays and covered lightly with soil. The growing

medium is sterilized by pouring it with boiling water in order to kill the pathogens

lightly with the hand. The seed trays are kept moist but not too wet to hasten

germination.
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Watering is done to prevent the seeds from penetrating deeply under the

soil and to produce healthy seedlings during germination. The seedling trays are

provided with shade to protect them from intense heat and heavy rains while the

seeds are still germinating.

Hardening of Seedlings. To avoid transplanting shock, hardening of

eggplant seedlings is done 3 weeks from emergence. The seedlings are exposed

gradually under the heat of the sun and water requirements will be withheld until

they are ready for transplanting.

Transplanting of Seedlings. Seedlings of squash are transplanted to

every plot as they reach 3 weeks old from heading. Planting distance is 0.75

meter between hills and 0.75 meter between rows. Transplanting is done in the

late afternoon to prevent seedlings from wilting and transplanting shock.

Fertilizer Application. In application of foliar fertilizers, it is started two

weeks after transplanting. It is done through foliar application, namely: Treatment

1- Control (1 liter of water), Treatment 2- Fermented Fruit Juice ( 5 tbsp/ liter of

water), Treatment 3- Fish Amino Acid( 5 tbsp/ liter of water), and Treatment 4-

Fermented Seaweeds ( 5 tbsp/ liter of water) in every treatment. One liter of

concentration of the treatment is sprayed on the leaves of the crop using

knapsack sprayer in every plot. The application is repeatedly done once a week

until fruiting stage.

Care and Maintenance. Seedlings are supplied with adequate water

depending on the prevailing weather condition. Sufficient water supply is

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provided especially during the critical stage of the crop, early vegetative and

flowering stage. The area is fenced to prevent the entry of stray animals.

Cultivation and Weeding. Cultivation and weeding is done when weeds

start to appear in the field. The frequency of weeding and cultivation depend

upon the presence of weeds in the area and the moisture condition of the soil.

Cultivation is done using hilling-up method to strengthen the base of the plants to

prevent lodging. Cutting of lateral vines is done to produce better fruits.

Collection of Data. The parameters of the data to be collected on the

growth and yield varietal response of eggplants include the following:

 Growth and yield data such as:

o Number of days to flowering, days of appearance of first flower in

the different treatments

o Number of leaves per plant, counting the leaves one month after

planting

o Final plant height (cm) at the last harvest, measured from the base

of the plant to the tip of the main stem

o Number of fruits per plant, counting the total number of fruits in

different treatments

o Fruit yield (g), weighing fruits from plants within of the different

treatments
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Harvesting. Harvesting of squash is done when the fruits are mature but

before they become over ripe. Squash should be harvested before the skin

hardens too much, as this can affect the taste and quality of the fruit. Proper

harvesting techniques help ensure a good yield and flavorful squash for

consumption. Harvested fruits are collected separately using plastic bags labeled

according to varieties.

Weighing of fruits. Harvested fruits are weighted separately per variety

using a weighing scale. Infested and non-infested fruits as well as marketable

and non-marketable fruits are weighted separately in every variety. All gathered

data are recorded carefully to ensure accurate result of the study.

Statistical Treatment. The data collected is tallied, collated and tabulated

for purpose of presentation and analysis of findings. Furthermore, these are

computed and statistically analyzed using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). For

further test of significance, the Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) Test

is employed.
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DEFINITION OF TERMS

The researchers defined the following terms as they are used in the

context of the study:

Fermented Fruit Juice (FFJ). It refers to a liquid made from fruits which

promote flowering and fruit setting.

Fermented Seaweeds. It refers to a liquid substance of seaweeds after

the process of fermentation.

Fish Amino Acid (FAA). It refers to a liquid made from fish which

contains abundant amount of nutrients and amino acids.

Foliar Fertilizer. Is a chemical or natural substance applied directly onto a

plant’s leaves to improve its health and increase fertility.

Harvested plants. This refers to the squash plants that are ready to be

gathered.

Harvesting. It refers to the time that the crops are ready to be gathered.

Squash. This refers to the solanaceous crop used in the study.

Treatment. It refers to a technique that is used in classifying and

identifying the data.

Yield. It refers to the total havested fruits produced by the squash plant.
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REFERENCES

Cohen, R., Burger, Y., Horev, C., Koren, A., & Edelstein, M. (2007). Introducing
Grafted Cucurbits to Modern Agriculture: The Israeli Experience.
Plant Disease, 91(8), 916–923.
Corpuz, O. (2015). Bio-organic Fertilizer on Pechay Homegarden in Cotabato.
SSRN Electronic Journal.doi:10.2139/ssrn.3530636
Ghaly, N. (2010). Effect of Municipal Solid Waste Compost on the Growth and
Production of Vegetable Crops. American Journal of Agricultural
and Biological Sciences, 5(3), 274–281.
Hassan SM, Ashour M, Sakai N, Zhang L, Hassanien HA, Gaber A, Ammar G.
(2021). Impact of Seaweed Liquid Extract Biostimulant on Growth, Yield,
and Chemical Composition of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Agriculture.;
11(4):320. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11040320
Niu, J., Liu, C., Huang, M., Liu, K., & Yan, D. (2020). Effects of Foliar
Fertilization: a Review of Current Status and Future Perspectives. Journal of Soil
Science and Plant Nutrition, 21(1), 104–118.
Salim, B., El-Yazied, A. A., Salama, Y., Raza, A., & Osman, H. S. (2021). Impact
of silicon foliar application in enhancing antioxidants, growth, flowering
and yield of squash plants under deficit irrigation condition. Annals of
Agricultural Science, 66(2), 176–183.
Tadle, F. (2011). The Growth and Yield Response of Bell Pepper To Fermented
Fruit Juice and Fish Fertilizer from
https://www.scribd.com/doc/51372857/The-Growth-and-Yield-Response
of-Bell-Pepper-to-Fermented-Fruit-Juice-and-Fish-Fertilizer
Zubiri, J.M. (2010). Republic Act No. 10068, Retrieved from
www.gov.ph/2010/04/06/Republic Act 10068.
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RESEARCHERS BIODATA

Personal Data

Name : Linwill M. Budiongan

Address : Purok 3 Cansungay, Pilar, Bohol

Date of Birth : April 11, 2003

Civil Status : Single

Nationality : Filipino

Parents : Mr. Mauro M. Budiongan

: Mrs. LInda M. Budiongan

Siblings :2

Religion : Roman Catholic

EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

Elementary : Cansungay Elementary School

Cansungay, Pilar, Bohol
S.Y. 2013- 2014

Secondary : Pilar Technical Vocational High School

Poblacion Pilar, Bohol
S.Y. 2020- 2021

Tertiary : Talibon Polytechnic College

San Isidro, Talibon, Bohol
S.Y. 2024-2025

Motto : “Do the best you can until you know better. Then
when you know better, do better”.
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