1

CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Einführung

In the Philippines, eggplant is known as talong and is the most

widely produced vegetable. Every year, an average of 21,225 hectares of

eggplant are planted. It is a species of plant in the nightshade family

Solanaceae. The edible fruit of Solanum melongena is grown all over the

world. By botanical definition, it is a berry that is commonly used as a

vegetable in cooking. It is related to the tomato and potato as a member

of the genus Solanum. Its skin and seeds, like the tomato's, can be eaten,

but, like the potato, it is usually eaten cooked. Eggplant is low in

macronutrients and micronutrients, but its ability to absorb oils and flavors

into its flesh through cooking expands its use in the culinary arts. (Daunay

et al., 2001).

Eggplant is a staple food in India and other South and Southeast

Asian countries, where it is known as brinjal, among other Sanskrit

names. It is also available in a variety of shapes and colors. Some are

striped and round, while others are white and short, resembling a chicken
 2

egg, hence its most famous name. The advantages of eggplant do not

end with the farmers. It is also good for human health because it contains

a lot of fiber and water, is high in antioxidants, and is a good source of

vitamins and minerals. As a result, this vegetable may aid in the

prevention of cancer, diabetes, and gastrointestinal diseases(Bahaduri,

2013).

The Solanaceae is a large plant family with fruits and leaves that is

still primarily limited to Africa. It contains 2300 species, nearly half of

which are be- (Daunayet al., 2001b). The brinjal owes its existence to a

single genus, Solanum (D'Arcy, 2016). The majority of Solanum species

are endemic to the Americas, but 20% are old world species. Solanum

melongena L., brinjal eggplant or aubergine; S. aethiopicum L., scarlet

eggplant; and S. macrocarpon L., eggplant, are three closely related

cultivated species of the solanum subgenus Leptostemonum. (Daunay et

al., 2001b).

Eggplants are members of the same plant family as tomatoes and

peppers (Solanaceae family), and eggplant production practices are

similar to those crops. Warm-season plants native to the tropics, eggplant

is more susceptible to cold temperatures than tomatoe. Eggplants come in

a wide range of colors thanks to a large variety of cultivars. The majority

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of commercial varieties in the United States are purplish black in color and

oval or teardrop in shape (Suwandi, 2009).

Once the soil has warmed up, organic mulches such as coarse

sawdust, crushed Ipil-ipil pods, and crushed peanut shells can be applied.

Aim for a daytime temperature of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit and a

nighttime temperature of at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread a layer

of mulch 3 or 4 inches deep, leaving a 1-inch breathing space between

the mulch and the transplants (Waseem et al., 2013).

The researchers intend to look for materials that can be used as

mulches because mulching is one of the simplest and most convenient

planting practices. It is used to reduce the rate of water evaporation in

plants. This type of system conserves water and prevents weed growth.

Materials that are normally thrown away, such as ipil-ipil pods, sawdust,

and peanut shells, are recycled. In this study, materials that are typically

thrown away, such as ipil-ipil pods, sawdust, and peanut shells, are used

to determine whether the following materials are viable mulches. Because

they are organic, they can also be used to improve soil (Sowinska and

Krygier, 2013).
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Objectives of the study

The study intends to find out the feasibility of growing eggplant on

different organic mulches, specifically;

1. The feasibility of organic mulches as a good mulching material of

eggplant.

2. To compare the differences in the growth of eggplant with organic

mulches.

Significance of the Study

Using mulch has great advantages. It conserves moisture which

means frequent watering is not necessary anymore. It prevents the

growth of weeds as well as erosion of the soil. Much more it can be

become a soil enhancer too.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

 5

The researchers only observed the feasibility of the following

materials: Ipil-ipil pods, sawdust and peanuts shells. No other plants

beside eggplant plants are being observed in this research. They simply

determined the number of their leaves and soil moisture. The study does

not include any commercial mulch to be compared to the tested mulches.

Definition of Terms

Mulch - simply a protective layer of a material that is spread on top of

the soil. It prevents the soil from erosion, conserves water and prevent

weed growth

Organic mulches – these refer to the fine and course saw dust; ipil-ipil

pods and peanut shell/pod

 Ipil-ipil– a tree or shrub with the scientific name Leucaena

leucocephala.

 Ipil-ipil pods – green (when young) to brown (upon maturity) outer-

covering of ipil-ipil seeds

Sawdust - the small particles of wood or other material that fall from an

object being sawed. In this study, it includes course sawdust.

Peanut - the edible, nutlike, oily seed of this plant, used for food and as

a source of oil. Its scientific name is Arachis hypogaea Linn.

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Peanut shell/pods-brown outer-covering of peanut kernel

Eggplant–one of the most known vegetables in the Philippines with the

scientific name of Solanum melongena.

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Botanical Description of Eggplant

Solanum melongena and two other cultivated eggplants are related

to a large number of wild species (Vorontsava et al., 2013; Syfert et al.,

2016), which may serve as a source of variation for breeding programs,

particularly for traits related to climate change adaptation but also pest

and disease resistance (Rotino et al., 2014).

Is a type of edible fruit vegetable that is grown and consumed all

over the world. Purple eggplant is more appealing and popular due to the

health-promoting anthocyanins found in the fruit's skin. High performance

liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

was used to separate and identify two types of anthocyanin from a purple

cultivar (Zhang et al., 2014).

 7

Plants that express cry proteins from the bacterium Bacillus

thuringiensis (Bt) have become a major tool for controlling insect pests in

maize and cotton around the world. There are, however, only a few Bt

vegetable crops. Eggplant is a popular Asian vegetable that is heavily

treated with insecticides to control the eggplant fruit and shoot borer,

Leucinodes orbonalis. We present the first publicly available data on the

field performance of eggplant engineered to produce the Cry1Ac protein in

Asia (Hautea, 2012).

Soil and Climatic Requirements of Eggplant

It can be grown in fields ranging in elevation from low to mid-

elevation. It grows best in sandy loam soil, but other types of soil, such as

clayey soil or clay loam, will suffice. Eggplant is grown from seeds. Make

the seed bed. Fertilize the seedbed with a mixture of 1 part animal

manure and 12 part rice hull charcoal. This is done to prepare the soil so

that it will be more fertile and free of nematode infestations. Make a

sowing line that is 10-15 cm apart. To prevent weeds from germinating,

cover the seedbed with rice hulls. Make a partial shade out of coconut

leaves to protect the seedlings (Collonnier, 2001).

 8

Nutritional Benefit of Eggplant

Eating eggplant has a high vitamin and mineral content. They are high in

vitamin K, B6, thiamine, niacin, copper, fiber, folic acid, and potassium.

These can aid digestion, improve heart health, and help prevent cancer

(WebMD, 2014).

Benefits of Mulching

Mulching has always been extremely beneficial to farmers and

gardeners. It reduces the amount of labor and cultivation required

because emerging and small weeds die under the dark barrier. As a result,

mulching reduces the need for tillage as well as the need for weed control

chemicals. Mulches conserve water by lowering soil temperature, which

reduces evaporation of soil moisture. The absorption of water by mulched

soil is greater than that of unmulched soil. Mulch also helps to keep soil

crusts at bay. Furthermore, soil loss from heavy rain and wind is reduced.

Mulches, in effect, are excellent conservation agents (Cattfield, 2011).

Nowadays, many farmers use mulches to plant vegetables.

Vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, squash, eggplant and others are

usually the ones being mulched. Eggplant plants are also being mulched
 9

since it develops best during cool weather. Thus, it needs moisture and

frequent watering. If it is being mulched, farmers can save because they

don’t have to water them every day.

A list of mulching materials follows, with specific emphasis on

advantages and disadvantages.

Compost: Compost is an excellent mulch because it contains fertilizer

and has a soil-like appearance. After the growing season, finished

compost (humus) is a good organic amendment to till into the soil.

Cocoa shells: In some parts of Georgia, it is available. These are brown,

light, easy to handle, and noncombustible. Cocoa shells have some value

as a fertilizer and are resistant to wind blowing. Because of their high

potash content, they should not be applied to a depth greater than 2

inches. Cocoa shells may have a strong odor.

Coffee grounds: Coffee grounds cake poorly; a depth of 1 inch is

suggested. Some seasoning ends can be found in coffee grounds.

 10

Corn cobs: Ground corn cobs make an excellent mulch. Some people

dislike their light color. Other uses for ground corn cobs, such as feed and

mash, tend to limit the supply for mulching.

Leaves: Leaves are free, widely available in many areas, decompose to

release some nutrients, and spread easily. They do, however, have a

tendency to form a soggy, impenetrable mat. This issue can be solved by

combining leaves with fluffy materials like hay or straw, or by shredding

the leaves with a lawn mower.

Newspaper: This is certainly readily available and cost-effective, but it is

somewhat difficult to implement. The high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio

necessitates the use of nitrogen fertilizer prior to planting. Newspaper can

be used as an undermulch by placing two to three sheets beneath a thin

layer of a more attractive, more expensive mulch.

Peanut shells: These are appealing and simple to use. Peanut shells are

high in nitrogen and have a long shelf life. Peanut shells, on the other

hand, are carriers of Sclerotiumrotfsii, also known as Southern blight and

 11

white mold, which can be a major problem in the garden. Nematodes and

nutsedge seeds and/or tubers may also infest peanut hulls.

Peat moss: This mulch is attractive and easy to work with, but it is

somewhat pricey. Because dry peat moss takes a long time and a lot of

water to become moist, it should only be applied to a 3-inch depth or less

and avoided in drought-prone areas. Its acidic pH makes it particularly

appealing to acid-loving plants.

Pine needles: These have a pleasing appearance and are not prone to

forming a soggy mat like leaves. They are especially beneficial to acid-

loving plants.

Polyethylene film: This is one of the few mulches that is widely

available and inexpensive enough to be used on a large scale in

commercial applications. Gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon

dioxide can pass through polyethylene. Holes or slits allow seeds or plants

to be planted and water to enter. If not damaged by machinery, it can last

for several years. It is typically used as a black film. Because light passes

through clear film, it provides limited weed control (unless herbicide is

 12

applied prior to mulching). Because of the warming of the soil, clear and,

to a lesser extent, black plastic mulch can be used to produce earlier

crops.

Straw/hay: These materials are lightweight and easy to apply, but their

appearance restricts their application mostly to vegetable gardens. They

are used more frequently as a winter mulch for protection. They are not

long-lasting and frequently contain weed seeds. Coastal Bermuda hay is

propagated vegetative and is an excellent hay mulch.

Sawdust: Mulch made from aged or partially rotted sawdust lasts a long

time. Because it is prone to caking and has a high carbon-to-nitrogen

ratio, apply it only 2 inches deep after fertilizing the soil with nitrogen.

Wood chips: They make excellent mulch because they are reasonably

priced or free, attractive, widely available, and simple to apply. Their high

carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, on the other hand, necessitates the use of

nitrogen fertilizer. Wood chips have a two-year lifespan. Woodchips, like

bark mulch, can serve as a termite vector.

 13

  The eggplant is one of the vegetables that requires a high soil

moisture content. As a result, the researchers put the following organic

mulches to the test: ipil-ipil pods, peanut shell, coarse and fine sawdust,

and eggplant.

Cultural Management and Practices

Land preparation. Prepare the field as soon as possible to allow time for

previous crop weeds and stubbles to decompose. Plow and harrow 2 to 3

times at one-week intervals (Ghelfi, 2012).

Planting and transplanting. In six to eight weeks, the eggplant will be

ready for transplant. Carefully harden the seedling by gradually lowering

ambient temperatures and easing on watering (Lu, 2013).

Fertilization. Fertilizer is needed in moderation for eggplant. A week

before planting, spread 1 inch or so of well-rotted manure or a general

fertilizer such as 5-10-10 throughout the planting bed. (Use 2–3 pounds

per 100 square feet.) When the row spacing is 4 feet, apply 114 pounds
 14

of 5-10-10 per 10 feet of row.) Fertilizer is needed in moderation for

eggplant. 1 inch or so of well-rotted manure should be added. A week

before planting, spread 1 inch or so of well-rotted manure or a general

fertilizer such as 5-10-10 throughout the planting bed (Khumairuh, 2012).

Care and maintenance. It is critical to understand where to plant

eggplant. Make sure your transplants are placed in a location in the

garden that receives full sun. The soil should be rich in nutrients and well-

drained. If necessary, make changes to ensure that the plants receive

adequate nutrients and are not submerged in standing water. Eggplants

thrive in soil that is consistently moist. Water the plants on a regular

basis, especially when they are young, to encourage the development of

deep roots. To prevent disease, avoid overhead watering, but consider

using mulch to keep soil moist, warm, and weed-free. In general,

eggplants should receive one inch (2.5 cm) of rain or water per week

(Cagauan, 2000).
 15

Conceptual Framework

Independent Variables Dependent Variables

 Percent of survival

 Plant Height (cm)

T1 – Control  Number of leaves

T2 – Coarse sawdust  Stem Diameter (cm)

T3 – Crushed ipil-ipil pods  Plant Width

T4 – Crushed peanut shells  Number of days to

Flower

 Yield

Figure 2. Paradigm Showing the Relationship between the Independent

and Dependent Variables of the study entitled “Growing Eggplant
(Solanum melongena) using different Organic Mulches.”
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Hypothesis

1. There is no significant difference on the growth and yield performance

of eggplant (Solanum melongena) as affected with organic mulches.

2. There is significant difference on the growth and yield performance of

eggplant (Solanum melongena) as affected with organic mulches.

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CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Research Locale

The experiment will be conducted at Purok 2, Poblacion, Sulop

Davao del Sur from August 2021 to Dec. 2021.

Material and Equipment

The materials to be used in this study include eggplant seed,

polyethylene bag (“14x14”) of the same size, garden soil, coarse sawdust,

ipil-ipil pods, peanut shells, weighing scale, paper levels. All materials will

be purchased from the accredited supplier or market within Sulop area.

Experimental Design and Treatments

The experiment will be laid out in Randomize Complete Block

Design (RCBD). There will be four mulches replicated three times with 3

plants per replication.The four application mulches as follows:

T1 – Control
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T2 – Coarse sawdust

T3 – Crushed ipil-ipil pods

T4 – Crushed peanut shells

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Field Layout

Block I Block II Block III

T4 T1 T4
1m

1m

1m
T3 T4 T3

1m

T1 T3 T1

T2 T2 T2

Figure 1. Experimental field layout in Randomize Complete Block Design

(RCBD)
Seedlings Preparation
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Seedling preparation will be in seedling tray with 50% of garden

soil and 50% of cocopeat. Two seeds will be sown in each hole.

Growing Media Preparation

Eggplants will be grown in a Polyethylene size 14x14. Plants plenty

a room are healthier and more productive. Growing media mixture of 50%

garden soil and 50% compost will be used. PEB will be filled up with

growing media mixture up to its brim.

Transplanting

Eggplant will be transferred into preferred PEB after 2 to 3 weeks

of germinating or when two to three true leaves develop. The seedling will

be covered with a soil depth of about 1 cm by ranking and spreading

additional top soil.

Preparation of Mulches
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The different mulches, namely: ipil-ipil pods, coarse sawdust and

peanut shells, will be exposed to the sun until they are thoroughly dried.

Then, the dried ipil-ipil and peanut pods will be gnashed into smaller

pieces. Finally, the different mulches will be weighed 25 grams ready for

application.

Application of Mulches

The following are the mixtures of each set-ups:

Set Up A: 6 eggplant plants will not be applied any mulching agent

Set Up B: 6 eggplant plants will be applied 25 grams each with coarse

sawdust

Set Up C: 6 eggplant plants will be applied 25 grams each with gnashed

ipil-ipil pods

Set Up D: 6 eggplant plants will be applied 25 grams each with gnashed

peanut shells.
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Weed Management

Pot will be hoed weeds at early stage of growth before shade the

space between plants.

Watering

Watering the plants will be done every morning and late in the

afternoon or when necessary.

Harvesting

Eggplants will be harvested manually at 65 to 80 days after

transplanting, depending on the variety.

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Data to be Gathered

A. Percentage of Survival

This will be computed by counting the total number of plants that

produced roots and shoots 30 DAT of all sample plants per treatment

divided by the total number of seeds or seedlings planted multiplied by

one hundred.

Showing the formula of:

Percentage= total no. of plants produced roots and shoots X 100

Total no. of seedlings tested

B. Plant height (cm)

This will be determined by measuring the plant height using ruler

or meter stick from the base to tips of all sample plants per treatment at

15, 30 & 45 DAT.

C. Number of leaves

The number of leaves will be counted at 15, 30 & 45 DAT.

 24

D. Stem diameter (cm)

This will be determined by measuring the stem diameter using

millimeter (mm) caliper AT 15, 30 & 45 DAT.

E. Plant width (cm)

This will be done by measuring the plants each side of the canopy

using ruler or meter stick over sample plants at all treatments.

F. Number of days to flower

This will be taken by counting the number of days from planting to

flowering of fully developed Solanum melongena.

G. Yield (grams)

This will be done by weighing the harvested fruits using digital

weighing scale at all treatments from first to second harvest.

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Statistical Analysis

The data will be analyze using analysis of variance (ANOVA) in

Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) to test the treatment means.

Post-hoc analysis using least significance differences (LCD) will be done

when there is significant differences among treatment means.

 26

Literature Cited

Bennett, M.D., Leitch, I.J., 2010. Plant DNA C-values

database(release7.0,Dec.2010)http://www.kew.org/cvalues/.

Cagauan, A., 2000. Integrating Pest into eggplant farming in Asia.

Naga, the ICLARM Quarterly, 23(1), 4-10.

Cattfield, P.M., 2011. Agricultural and benefits of Mulch: joinmap.Plant

J 3: 739-744P.N.Bahaduri, Indian J. Gen., 11:75-82,1951.

Cubero, C., and Baquiran, P,B., 2011. Department andAgriculture,

Cagayan. Eggplant Production Guide.

D’ ARCY, W. G., 2016. The Solanaceae since 1976 with a review of its
biography, pp. 75-138 in Solanaceae III, edited by J.G.

Daunay, M.C., Lester, R.N., 2001. Eggplant In: charier A,

JackquoteM,HamonS,Nicolas D[eds]Tropical plant Breeding.
Science Publisher, Montpellier, France, rome, Itally.

Ghelfi, R., 2012. Inputs use in the agriculture of Emilia-Romagna: Farm

comparison through the total factor productivity approach. Food
Economics, 9(1-2), 78-86.

Hautea, D., 2012. Field performance of Bt eggplants ( Solanum

melongena) in the Philippines: Cry1Ac expression and control of the
eggplant fruit and shoot borer.
 27

Khumairoh, U., 2012. Complex agro‐forestry for food security in a

changing climate. Ecology and evolution, 2(7):1696-1704.

Lu, J., 2013. Eggplant farming experiments. Chunan Journal of Sciences

and Technology, 4:40-42.

Rajam, M., Sevaes, C., Ducreus, G., Sihackaks, D., 2001.adaptaion

of soil climatic condition of eggplant. Plant cell iss Org Cult
65;91-107.

Rotino, G., Sala, T., Toppino, L., 2014. Eggplant in alien gene transfer
in crops plants.

Sowinska, K.A., and Krygier, M., 2013. Yield and quality of field
cultivated and the degree of fruit maturity. Acta Sci. Pol.
HolturumCultus. 12(2): 13-23.

Suwande, P., 2009. Philippine Agricultural Productio-Egplant Resources.

Nature 386: 485-488.

Syfert, M., Castaneda, A., Khoury, C., Sarkinin, T., Achikanoy, H.,
2016. Crop wild relatives of the brinjal eggplant (Solanum
melongena): poorly presented in genebanks and many species at
risk of estinction.

Vorontsava, M., Stern, Knap., Bohs, Lych., and Knapp, Swin. 2013.
African spiny solanum subgenus Leptostemonum, solanaceae in
Africa and Madagascar. Syst Bot Monoger 99, 1-436.

Waseem, K., Hussain, A., Jilani M.C., Kiran, M., Ghazanfarullah, J.,
and Hamid, A. 2013. Nutritional management inbrinjal (Solanum
 28

melongena L.) using different media. Pakistan Journal of science.

65(1):21-25.

WebMD. 2014. https://www.webmd.com/ Health Benefits of

Eggplant.https://www.webmd.com/food-Recipes/eggplant-health-
benefits#1.

Zhang, Y., Hu. Z., Chu, G., Huang, C. 2014. Anthocyanin accumulation
and molecular analysis of anthocyanins biosynthesis-associated
genes in eggplant.
 29

Appendix 1. Dummy Tables

Dummy Table 1. Percent Survival of Eggplant applied with

different organic Mulches.

Treatments Block Total Mean

I II III

T1 – Control

T2 – Coarse sawdust

T3 – Crushed ipil-ipil pods

T4 – Crushed peanut shells

Dummy Table 2. Analysis of Variance on Percent Survival of

Eggplant applied with different organic
Mulches.

SV Df SS MC FC Ftab
5% 1%

Replication
Treatment
Experimental
Error

Total

CV (%)

Dummy Table 3. Plant Height of Eggplant applied with different

organic Mulches.
 30

Treatments Block Total Mean

I II III

T1 – Control

T2 – Coarse sawdust

T3 – Crushed ipil-ipil pods

T4 – Crushed peanut shells

Dummy Table 4. Analysis of Variance on Plant Height of Eggplant

applied with different organic Mulches.

SV Df SS MC FC Ftab
5% 1%

Replication
Treatment
Experimental
Error

Total

CV (%)

Dummy Table 5. Number of Leaves of Eggplant applied with

different organic Mulches.
 31

Treatments Block Total Mean

I II III

T1 – Control

T2 – Coarse sawdust

T3 – Crushed ipil-ipil pods

T4 – Crushed peanut shells

Dummy Table 6. Analysis of Variance on Number of Leaves of

Eggplant applied with different organic
Mulches.

SV Df SS MC FC Ftab
5% 1%

Replication
Treatment
Experimental
Error

Total

CV (%)

Dummy Table 7. Stem Diameter of Eggplant applied with

different organic Mulches.
 32

Treatments Block Total Mean

I II III

T1 – Control

T2 – Coarse sawdust

T3 – Crushed ipil-ipil pods

T4 – Crushed peanut shells

Dummy Table 8. Analysis of Variance on Stem Diameter of

Eggplant applied with different organic
Mulches.

SV Df SS MC FC Ftab
5% 1%

Replication
Treatment
Experimental
Error

Total

CV (%)

Dummy Table 9. Plant Width of Eggplant applied with different

organic Mulches.
 33

Treatments Block Total Mean

I II III

T1 – Control

T2 – Coarse sawdust

T3 – Crushed ipil-ipil pods

T4 – Crushed peanut shells

Dummy Table 10. Analysis of Variance on Plant Width of Eggplant

applied with different organic Mulches.

SV Df SS MC FC Ftab
5% 1%

Replication
Treatment
Experimental
Error

Total

CV (%)

Dummy Table 11. Number of Flowers of Eggplant applied with

different organic Mulches.

Treatments Block Total Mean

 34

I II III

T1 – Control

T2 – Coarse sawdust

T3 – Crushed ipil-ipil pods

T4 – Crushed peanut shells

Dummy Table 12. Analysis of Variance on Number of Flowers of

Eggplant applied with different organic
Mulches.

SV Df SS MC FC Ftab
5% 1%

Replication
Treatment
Experimental
Error

Total

CV (%)

Dummy Table 13. Yield of Eggplant applied with different organic

Mulches.

Treatments Block Total Mean

I II III
 35

T1 – Control

T2 – Coarse sawdust

T3 – Crushed ipil-ipil pods

T4 – Crushed peanut shells

Dummy Table 14. Analysis of Variance on Yield of Eggplant with

Applied with different organic Mulches.

SV Df SS MC FC Ftab
5% 1%

Replication
Treatment
Experimental
Error

Total

CV (%)