EVALUATING THE EFFECT OF CORNCOBS AND RICE STRAW INCREASING THE YIELD OF

EGGPLANT ( Solanum melongena)

INTRODUCTION

Eggplant, Solanum melongena L. (too known as brinjal and aubergine) is

one of the foremost critical, reasonable and well known vegetable crops
developed and consumed in Asia. Within the Philippines, eggplant
production accounts for more than 30.0% of the overall volume of
generation of the foremost vital vegetables within the nation .Eggplant
generation gives an imperative source of cash pay, especially for little,
resource-poor agriculturists. The greatest limitation to eggplant
generation all through Asia is the incessant and far reaching invasion by
the eggplant fruit-and-shoot borer (EFSB), Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée.
The hatchlings harm eggplant by boring into the petiole and midrib of
leaves and delicate shoots coming about in shrinking and drying up of
stems. Blooms are too bolstered upon coming about in blossom drop or
distorted natural products. The foremost genuine financial harm caused
by EFSB is to the fruit by creating gaps, bolstering burrows and frass (or
larval excrement) that make the natural product unmarketable and unfit
for human consumption. At tall bother weight, EFSB harm within the
Philippines comes about in surrender misfortune of up to 80.0% of the edit
.

Overviews of eggplant agriculturists within the major eggplant developing

areas of the Philippine uncovered that nearly all of them utilize chemical
bug sprays to control EFSB since other control measures such as manual
expulsion of EFSB-damaged fruits and shriveled shoots, utilize of organic
control arthropods and pheromone traps have proven ineffectual,
unreasonable and costly. Eggplant agriculturists within the Philippines
utilize visit applications (20–72 times for 5–6 months/season) of blends of
bug sprays to control EFSB, which increment generation costs and posture
dangers to human wellbeing and the environment. Considers conducted in
Sta. Maria, Pangasinan appeared visit utilize of broad-spectrum bug
sprays counting profenofos, triazophos, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and
malathion.

OBJECTIVES

1. To assess the impact of corncobs and rice straw on eggplant yield.

2. To analyze effects on soil moisture and nutrients.
3. To compare organic mulches to chemical pest control.
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The study focused on the growth performance of Solanum

melongena under QSU Maddela conditions of Balance
fertilization on the production of eggplant manure. Its scope
was limited to the following treatments:

T1- Corncobs 200g/plot

T2- Corncobs 200g

T3- Corncobs 100g /plot + straw 300g

T4- Corncobs 300g /plot+ Rice straw 100g

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Bio-Waste. Organic waste from biological sources, such as plant residues, recycled for
compost or mulch.

Corncobs. The central part of an ear of corn, used as a soil amendment or organic material.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena). A vegetable crop grown for its edible fruit.

Mulching. Covering soil with organic or inorganic material to conserve moisture and
improve fertility.

Nutrient Recycling. The return of decomposed nutrients to the soil for plant growth.

Organic Mulch. Natural materials like corncobs and rice straw used to enhance soil quality.

Rice Straw. The dry stalks left after rice harvesting, used as mulch or fertilizer.

Soil Fertility. The ability of soil to provide nutrients for plant growth.

Sustainable Agriculture. Farming practices that preserve resources for future generations.

Yield. The amount of crops produced per unit area.

 CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Eggplants (Solanum melongena) originated in China and India and have been cultivated
there for thousands of years. The world was facilitated through trade and colonization.
According to History and Cultivation of Eggplant (2015), Spanish explorers introduced
eggplant to southern and eastern Europe, where it gained popularity due to its versatility in
various cuisines. In the 1500s, eggplants were also brought to the Americas, although they
initially failed to gain widespread acceptance (Encyclopedia of Food and Culture, 2015).The
hesitation of Americans to adopt eggplants was rooted in its association
with the nightshade family, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, and the
toxic belladonna plant. During this period, many Americans believed
nightshade plants to be poisonous. Despite this, two varieties, ‘Large
Purple’ and ‘Early Purple,’ were recognized as early as 1848 (Johnson,
2015). These varieties were cultivated in significant numbers in states like
Philadelphia, as documented by historical agricultural records. The plants
were utilized in various ways, including stews, soups, and fried dishes,
where the texture was likened to that of oysters.
For most of the 19th and 20th centuries, the 'Large Purple' variety
dominated American gardens. However, in the 1960s, Japanese eggplants
and other smaller varieties, like Indian and Chinese types, started gaining
popularity among domestic gardeners. This diversification expanded the
usage of eggplants in modern cooking and urban gardening (National
Agricultural Review, 2015). The eggplant belongs to one of the largest and
most diverse families of vegetables, characterized by its variance in size,
shape, and adaptability. Despite their variety, all eggplants are tropical
plants that thrive in warm climates. Due to their warmth requirements,
they are ideal for container gardening, particularly in urban environments
where warmth radiates from walls and concrete surfaces (Smith, 2015).
Varieties such as the Thai Green Pea eggplant require staking due to their
growth structure, while others do not.
Eggplants require a growing season of at least 120 days and are
typically started indoors 8–12 weeks before the last frost. Transplanting is
done three weeks after the final frost. For optimal growth, they should be
planted 18–24 inches apart in rows spaced 36 inches apart. In container
gardening, three plants per half-barrel are recommended. Although they
flourish in rich, sandy soils, eggplants are not overly selective and can
adapt to standard soil types with regular but light monthly fertilization.
Overwatering is to be avoided (Gardening Practices for Beginners, 2015).
CULTIVATION PRACTICES AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Eggplants thrive in warm climates, as they are tropical perennials by
origin. The plant's preference for high temperatures makes it an ideal crop
for summer cultivation. Research indicates that optimal growth occurs
when daytime temperatures range between 70–85°F (Horticulture Science
Today, 2015). Given their need for a long growing season—usually 120
days or more—gardeners in cooler climates often start eggplants indoors.
Eggplants perform best in well-drained, sandy loam soils that are rich in
organic matter. However, they are not highly soil-sensitive and can adapt
to standard soil conditions, provided the pH level ranges between 5.8 and
6.5 (Smith, 2015). The plants require consistent watering but are prone to
root rot if overwatered. Fertilization is recommended once a month to
maintain healthy growth. In container gardening, eggplants benefit from
the heat retained by concrete patios or brick walls, which enhances their
development (Gardening Practices for Beginners, 2015).
Modern agricultural practices have made eggplants a staple in urban
gardening due to their adaptability to limited spaces. Varieties such as the
Thai Green Pea eggplant require staking because of their growth pattern,
while others, like certain Italian and Chinese types, do not need additional
support. This versatility enables gardeners to cultivate eggplants in
diverse conditions.
ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE
Globally, eggplants hold considerable economic importance. According to
FAO Agricultural Data (2015), the world’s largest producers of eggplants
are China, India, and Egypt, which collectively account for over 80% of
global production. In these countries, eggplant cultivation supports
millions of farmers and laborers. India alone dedicates significant
agricultural land to the crop, primarily due to its culinary and cultural
significance.
In Europe and North America, eggplants are valued for their contribution
to the health food market. Rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and
vitamins, eggplants are increasingly recognized for their role in promoting
cardiovascular health and weight management (Journal of Food and
Nutritional Sciences, 2015). The growing awareness of these health
benefits has led to increased consumer demand in both domestic and
international markets.
SCIENTIFIC AND INNOVATIVE USES
Recent studies have explored the potential uses of eggplants beyond
food. Their high polyphenol content has drawn the attention of
researchers investigating eggplants for medicinal applications. Studies
indicate that certain compounds in eggplants exhibit anti-inflammatory
and antioxidant properties (Nutritional Biochemistry Reviews, 2015). This
research highlights the crop’s potential for use in developing nutraceutical
products.
Eggplants have also been a subject of agricultural innovation. For
example, the development of hybrid varieties has enhanced disease
resistance, yield, and adaptability to adverse environmental conditions.
Additionally, genetically modified eggplants, such as Bt brinjal in India,
were developed to combat pests like the fruit and shoot borer, reducing
pesticide use and improving crop sustainability (Gowda & Patil, 2015).
CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Material
The materials used in this study include various tools and equipment necessary for planting,
measurement, and data collection. A sprinkler was used to water the plants, ensuring
proper irrigation throughout the study. A shovel was utilized for digging and preparing the
soil, while a garden trowel aided in planting and cultivating the soil around the plants. A
ballpen and notebook were essential for recording observations and taking notes during
the research. To measure plant growth and other parameters, a meter was used, along with
a scale to weigh the harvested crops and other relevant variables. These tools collectively
supported the accurate execution and documentation of the research process.

Location of Experimental Area

The study area is located in the back of the BSA3 classroom at the College
of Agriculture, Maddela Quirino.

Each plot has a measure of 1 x 5 m.

TREATMENT DESCRIPTION OF THE EXPERIMENT

Treatment Code Description

1 T1 T1=400g CM + TRIPLE14

2 T2 T2=400g CM + UREA

3 T3 T3=200g CM + TRIPLE 14

4 T4 T4=200g + UREA
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND PLACEMENT
The experiment was organized into three equal cells, labeled REP 1, REP 2, and REP 3, as
outlined in the block diagram. Each replicate was designed to ensure consistent conditions
for the study.

Cultural Management of Plant

Land Preparation
After the approval of the title of the study, site selection and land preparation was
conducted. The area was cleaned and tilled afterwards. The soil was cultivated for better
medium and to control pest.
Transplanting
The three weeks old (according to the seller) seedlings were transplanted right after
being purchased. The seedlings were sown at the rate of one seedling per hill and spaced 25
cm apart and rows were spaced at 60 cm apart.
Application of treatments
Application of all the treatments were applied three times. First application was done
after 15 days of transplanting. Second and last was after 35 days.
Cultivation
The plots were cultivated with the aid of hoe, shovel and bolo to allow better aeration
of plant roots. Cultivation was done after weeding and before applying fertilizer.
Weeding
Weeding was done to prevent competition between the crops and weeds for water,
nutrients, and sunlight. Weeding was done when the weeds emerged with aid of bolo.
Irrigation
Watering the eggplants was done to maintain favorable moisture content of the soil.
Watering was done every morning and late afternoon, including weekends, with the aid of
sprinkler or pail.
Harvesting
Harvesting was done as soon as the maturity indices of the crop appeared. First
harvest was done last May 27. It had 9 pieces. Their data were gathered subsequently. The
second one was on June 3. It had 16 pieces. They were labeled with their respected
replication and treatment then, data was gathered afterwards.
Data Gathered
 Plant Height at 30 days (cm). Five Representative Sample plants per treatment were
identified as sample within the sampling area. The plant height was measured at the widest
part of the internode above cotyledons.
Number of leaves at 30 days. Five Representative Sample plants per treatment were
identified as sample within the sampling area. The number of leaves were obtained through
counting the number of matured leaves per plant.
Number of flowers at 35 days. Five Representative Sample plants per treatment
were identified as sample within the sampling area. The number of flowers were obtained
before the emerged flowers become star-shaped in various shades of purple.
Fruit length at harvest (cm). All the fruits that reached their maturity stage were
harvested and were identified as sample within the sampling area. The fruit length was
measured at the top of the fruit till the base of the fruit.
Fruit weight at harvest (g). All the fruits that reached their maturity stage were
harvested and were identified as sample within the sampling area. This was obtained by
weighing on a kitchen weighing scale.