Philippine Coconut Authority - Department of Agriculture

Department of Agriculture PHILIPPINE COCONUT AUTHORITY

Research & Development, and Extension Branch Elliptical Rd., Diliman, Quezon City 1101

C o c o n u t I n t e r c r o p p i n g G u i d e N o . 4 October 2005

1. IMPORTANCE

Growing of intercrops in coconut lands produces more food and agricultural products, ensuring food security of the people in rural and urban areas. At the same time, the practice generates jobs and livelihood, enhancing farm incomes and the purchasing power of people, thus alleviating poverty in farming communities. Moreover, successful farmers serve as inspiration and enterprise leaders in their communities, eventually treating coconut farming in an agribusiness way to create wealth and more capital resources.

Vegetable intercropping under coconut palms is one of the popular intercropping practices in rural areas for many good reasons. This intercropping practice requires short period of planting time, smaller area (vacant spaces between coconut trees), provides additional income to coconut farmers and nutritious food for the farm communities. Vegetable intercropping such as tomato, eggplant, sweet pepper, squash, okra, ginger etc. is highly recommended under coconuts aged one to six years old or 26-60 years old. These vegetables can be intercropped in plots under the interrows of coconuts as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 1. A farm layout of a coconut-vegetable cropping model under square planting system of coconut with spacing of 8-10 meters.

Coconut-Vegetable Cropping Model 1

2. ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS

Depending on the age or development stage of coconut, a variety of vegetable crops are suitable and productive under coconut stands. Under the three growth stages (1,II, III) from field planting up to 26-60 years old, the proper vegetable intercrops had been identified as shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Growth duration and productivity periods, levels of sunlight transmission and suitable intercrops (Magat, 2004).

Phase (Stage) Duration Level of available sunlight/ highly suitable intercrops

I

Field-planting to 6 years

High to Moderate/Highly Suitable Intercrops: Cereals - corn, upland rice Legumes - cowpea, peanut, mungbean, sitao, beans Root crops - sweet potato, gabi Fruit crops - pineapple, citrus, watermelon, papaya, banana Vegetables - tomato, cabbage, eggplant, sweet pepper, hot pepper, okra

II

7-25 years1

Moderate to Low/Highly Suitable Crops: Black pepper, cacao, coffee, tomato, vanilla, ginger, lanzones, rambutan, durian, mangosteen, gmelina tree (for wood and lumber)

Figure 2. A farm layout of a coconut-vegetable cropping model under triangular planting system of coconut with spacing of 8-10 meters.


Phase (Stage) Duration Level of available sunlight/ highly suitable intercrops

III 26-60 years High/Highly Suitable Crops2:Cereals - corn, upland rice Legumes - peanut, mungbean, cowpea, beans Vegetables - tomato, eggplant, cabbage, sweet pepper, hot pepper, okra, ginger Root crops - sweet potato, gabi, cassava, ubi Beverage crops - coffee, cacao Fruit crops - lanzones, rambutan, durian, mangosteen, citrus (pomelo, calamansi) Wood and Lumber tree - gmelina Fiber crops - ramie, abaca

1 Except tomato, usually the suitable crops indicated requires lower sunlight or moderate shade during the pre-bearing stage of the crops, thus field-establishment best done during this stage.

2 Should more sunlight transmission to intercrops needed for normal growth and high yields, coconut leaf pruning (CLP) technique (removal of older lower leaves of the crown, maintaining the upper 19-23 leaves); allowing 0.5 meter of cut frond attached to the trunk.

The different vegetable crops can be grouped into several families (East-West Seed Company Technology Manual), as follows:

1) Solanaceae- tomato, sweet pepper, hot pepper and eggplant 2) Cucurbitaceae – ampalaya, patola, cucumber, calabaza (squash),

upo, watermelon, muskmelon 3) Cruciferae and leafy vegetables – cabbage, cauliflower, pechay, radish, mustaza, kangkong, coriander 4) Alliaceae and other crops – shallot, onion, carrot, sitao, snapbean,bush sitao, mungbean,cowpea, okra, sweet corn

Some of the key benefits of the coconut-vegetable cropping/ecosystem are as follow: 1) Vegetable crops can be intercropped in coconut palms as young as 1-6 years

old and when these palms reached 25 years (and beyond). Generally, vegetables and coconut do not compete for soil resources, provided they are supplied with the required fertilizers needed by each crop.

2) Vegetable crops can be planted anytime of the year. There is a stable and

continuous demand as it is consumed daily in everyone’s dining table. 3) Its nutritive value and health benefits are well-known. a) Tomato – a rich

source of vitamin C; b) watermelon – low in calories, high in Vitamin C and A, in the form of disease fighting beta-carotene, high in lycopene(powerful oxidant), second to tomatoes,lycopene and beta-carotene work in conjunction with other plant chemicals not found in vitamin/ mineral supplements (http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/veggies/ watermelon.html) ; c) Ampalaya – rich in iron, used in the treatment of skin diseases, sterility, as an antipyretic, purgative, one of the best herbal medicines for its ability to help with liver problems and HIV(ampalaya.com) ; d) cucumber –is rich in Vitamin A, C, iron, Ca, carbohydrates and dietary fiber (http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/veggies/ cucumber.html).

4) Intercropping coconut with different kinds of suitable vegetables intensifies

land use which increases returns on cash inputs and provides better labor-use pattern and income distribution.


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5) From the coconut trees, obtained are many basic food products from nuts

(like kernel/meat, coconut milk, coconut oil, coconut water/juice) and coconut sap (fresh sap, vinegar, coconut nectar/honey and natural sap sugar); non-food raw materials for various high value products (husked- based, shell-based). Many more products are derived from other parts of the coconut trees.

2. MARKET DEMAND AND PRACTICES 2.1. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Miller) is a seasonal fruit vegetable grown in almost all parts of the country. Although it ranks second to eggplant in terms of total production area, seasonality of production limits the domestic supply and remains a common problem of the industry (http://www.hortinet.pcarrd.dost. gov.ph/tomato industry_situationer.html). A rich source of Vitamin C, tomato is popular cash crop for small farmer-growers and home gardeners. Recognizing its vital contribution to the local economy, the DA and the DOST have identified tomato, among others, as a priority crop in their respective R&D programs.

Major tomato producing regions are Northern Mindanao and Southern Tagalog. These regions collectively contributed about 60% of the total tomato production. On the other hand, the highest producing provinces in 2002 were Pangasinan, Bukidnon, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Nueva Ecija and Laguna.

Local tomato production fluctuated from 1990 to 2002 with the highest

production volume of 183,962 MT in 1990 (http://www.hortinet.pcarrd.dost. gov.ph/tomato industry_situationer.html). The low production volumes were obtained during 1993 at 138,486 MT and 1998 at 132,984 MT. the decline in production is mainly attributed to general reduction in yield and in area planted. Furthermore, strong typhoons hit the top producing areas in Luzon in the early and mid-90’s causing considerable damage to vegetable plantations including tomato.

Just like the production volume, area and yield, the country’s annual per

capita consumption of tomato also had a fluctuating the 1990-2001. The highest per capita consumption obtained in 1990 at 2.33/yr while the lowest were 1.42 kg/yr and in 2001 at 1.46kg/yr. On the average, around 78% of the gross supply of tomato are utilized as fresh, about 15% as processed and 7% as feed. Less than one percent is used as seeds and for export. Utilization of the various tomato products (fresh, processed, feeds)- same trend –fluctuating with a decrease in the years 1993 and 1998.

The regular-client relationship known as the ‘suki’ system. The type of

middlemen involved are assembler-wholesalers, contract-buyers, wholesalers wholesaler-retailers and retailers.

2.2 Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) – ranked the country’s 7th among the world’s top eggplant producers in 1999(PCARRD Eggplant Industry Situationer, 2000). Eggplant is the country’s top ranking vegetable in terms of production value, about 179,000 tons per year valued at almost P2M and some 20,000 has, almost 1/3 of them in Ilocos Region (http://www.bar.gov.ph). Although it is grown in almost all parts of the country, its production is primarily for domestic market. Recognizing its vital contribution to the local economy, the Dept. of Agriculture and Science (DA) & Technology (DOST) identified eggplant, among others, as a priority crop in their respective R & D program.


http://www.hortinet.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/tomato%20industry_situationer.html


http://www.hortinet.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/%20tomato%20industry_situationer.html

http://www.hortinet.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/%20tomato%20industry_situationer.html

From 1990-99, area planted to eggplant increased from16,425 to 17,797 ha, production increased from 112,000 t (1990) to 182,000 t (1999); yield also increased from 6.8 t/ha (1990) to 10.2 t/ha (1999). Of the total production volume in 1998, 38 t was used for seed production and 14,412t for feeds and waste. Per capita consumption in 1998 was 2.27 kg/yr, down by 9.6% from that of the previous year.

Market assistance is provided by local government units. Credit assistance

is availed thru the Land Bank of the Philippines.

2.3 Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) – is a vegetable grown throughout the Philippines. It grows wild in the remote areas of Mt. Banahaw. Known in the west as Chinese bitter melon, ampalaya became popular in the news recently because of its putative medicinal value especially HIV/AID-Compound Q (http:/www.tribo.org/vegetable/ampalaya.html) 2.4 Watermelon – After years of recording production cutbacks, watermelon growers posted a 35.4 % expansion in production in 2002. This was followed by another 17.1 % increase in 2003 (http://bas.gov.ph/downloads_view). Of the total watermelon production in 2003, about 77% was contributed by the top 5 producing provinces in Luzon wherein Pangasinan contributed the biggest share of 36%.

3. GROWING CONDITIONS AND THE TECHNOLOGY 3.2 Environmental Requirements

To optimize the achievable yield of vegetables under the coconut-vegetable cropping system, it is essential to provide the suitable conditions (climate and soils) for the two crops. Moreover, the competition for light, soil and water resources usually results in marginal economic returns from one of the component crops or in both. A. Coconut Climatic Needs:

Factor Coconut

Altitude (m above sea level Less than 600

Temperature (oC) 24- 29

Light >2000 sunshine hours/year

Total annual rainfall (mm) 1500- 2500 (well distributed)

Typhoon frequency (%) < 20

Soil Requirements:

Soil Condition Coconut Soil Depth (cm) >75

Drainage Moderate to well-drained

Soil Acidity (pH) 5.5-7.5

Soil Texture Sandy, loamy, clayey (with good structure) Organic matter content Medium to High

Major nutrients N, K, Cl, S, P, Ca, Mg, B


http://bas.gov.ph/downloads_view

B. Vegetables B.1 Tomato – requires a relatively cool, dry climate fro high yield and premium

quality and is adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions (http://www.hortinet. pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/tomatoindustry_situationer.html. The optimum temperature requirement is 21-240 C. It can be grown in varied soil types as sandy loam to clay-loam with rich organic matter. It should not be planted in areas with long period of flooding. The ideal pH is 6.0-6.5. It can be harvest in 90-100 days after transplanting during the cool season and 60-90 days after transplanting during hot season.

B.2 Eggplant – requires a relatively cool, dry climate for optimum yield and

quality, grown year-round ((PCARRD Eggplant Industry Situationer, 2000). In the lowlands of Batangas, eggplant is planted in November and harvested from Feb. to March, in Cebu planting season starts in April, while harvesting season starts from June to August.

B.3 Ampalaya grows well in tropical and subtropical climates. It grows well in

all types of soil provided it is well drained. The best type of soil texture is a sandy loam, rich in organic matter. The optimum soil temperature for germination is 30-350 C (Ampalaya pamphlet, Allied Botanical Corp.).

B.4 Sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) requires cool weather for best

quality, in low elevations, however, planting is best from October to December (http://www.da.gov.ph/tips/sweet pepper.html) It mid and high elevations it can be grown throughout the year. It grows well in any type of soil with pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Production is best in deep loam soil with good fertility, easy irrigation, adequate drainage and plenty of sunshine. It germinates well at temperature of 20-300 C and grows best at around 250C. It should not be grown on the same soil year after year because of disease problems. It is best to rotate the crop with rice, legume, sugarcane and corn.

B.5 Cucumber – is a tender, warm season vegetable that produces well when

given proper care and protection. Having shallow roots, it requires ample soil moisture at all stages of growth.

B.6 Watermelon – requires warm, relatively dry climate and plenty of sunshine

fro rapid growth and development. It performs well when grown in well drained and sandy loam soil preferably rich in organic matter, although yield on clay soils can be increased significantly by mulching raised planting rows with black plastic film. Ideal soil should have ph of 6-7 (Watermelon Pamphlet, Allied Botanical Corporation).

4.2 Technology

It is very important to apply the best package of technologies (POT) or better still, the site-specific technologies to achieve the maximum economic yield (MEY), highly desirable to obtain the least production cost per unit product or per ha, and the maximum returns to investment under the coconut-vegetable cropping production system.

4.2.1 Vegetables 1) Land preparation – Clear/underbrush interspaces under coconut trees and

remove all stumps, plow and harrow twice or thrice to remove weeds.


http://www.hortinet.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/tomatoindustry_situationer.html

http://www.da.gov.ph/tips/sweet

4.2.1.1 Solanaceous crops (Tomato, Eggplant, Sweet Pepper) 1) Nursery preparation– prepare seedbeds measuring 1 m x 5 m, sterilized soil

by any of the following methods: a)burn straw over the seedbed b) pour boiling water into the seedbed c) bake soil and place in seed boxes d) drill the seeds and cover lightly with soil d) water daily during dry period until ready for transplanting (PCA Intercropping Guide).

2) Plot preparation – prepare furrows 75 cm apart, 2.0 meters from the coconut

trees 3) Transplanting – water the seedbed thoroughly to loosen the soil, pull carefully

the seedlings to avoid injury, transplant seedlings in prepared furrows, preferably in the afternoon.

4) Distance of planting – tomato -0.75 m between hills, straight planting eggplant – 0.50 m between hills, zigzag planting sweet pepper – 0.75 m between hills, straight planting 5) Select any of the following recommended varieties: (see East-West Seed Co.

Inc. Technology Manual for description of each variety and technical information of different vegetable crops (Annex A)

a) Tomato – Diamante F1, Marimar F1, Maxima F, Improved Pope, Cardinal

b) Eggplant – Domino F1, Casino F1, jackpot F1, Bulakena, Batangas Long Purple

c) Sweet pepper – Majesty F1, Bless F1, All Season, Trinity F1 d) Hot pepper – Django F1, Sinigang, Hotshot

6) Maintenance – Off-bar two weeks after transplanting, apply fertilizer at

different growth stages (see Annex B), hill-up after fertilization, remove weeds.

7) Harvesting a) Tomato – harvest as 1) mature green fruit starts to show cream streaks at

the bottom end; 2) breaker-blossom end turns pinkish or reddish; 3) red ripe – full red skin color is attained.

b) Eggplant – harvest when fruit reaches 2/3 of its maximum size for the

variety before fruit hardens or shows streaks of unusual color c) Pepper – harvest as 1) mature green(fruit waxy and shiny); 2) breaker

(fruit turns yellow or reddish); 3) red ripe (fruit skin is red) 4.2.1.2 Cucurbitae Crops (Ampalaya, patola, cucumber, calabaza, upo,

watermelon, muskmelon) Ampalaya and Cucumber 1) Distance of planting a) Ampalaya – 1 m between hills x 2 rows distance at 3 m apart in between 2

rows of coconut trees, straight planting b) Cucumber – 0.50 m between hills x 3 rows at 1 m apart in between 2 rows

of coconut trees


2) Recommended varieties a) Ampalaya – Galaxy F1, Jade Star L F1, Jade Star XL F1, Sta. Rita EW

Select, b) Cucumber - Ambassador F1, Governor F1, Champ F1, Green Beret F1,

Jackson 27 F1, Poinsett c) Patola – Hercules F1, Esmeralda d) Upo – Dalisay F1, Tambuli, Maxi 3) Method of planting – direct seeding is recommended for these vegetable crops

(plant 1 seed per hill at 1-2 cm deep and thin the seedling to one plant)

4) Irrigation – irrigate the plants whenever necessary. Furrow irrigation or hand water up to field capacity at 7-10 days interval. Be careful not to water-log the soil since ampalaya is sensitive to poor drainage.

5) Trellising – ampalaya is always trellised especially during wet months. Vertical

trellises are constructed using ipil-ipil or bamboo poles (6 ft ht) and tied with wire, abaca or twines. Overhead trellis is also needed. Trellises must be done as soon as possible, but not later than the “one meter vine” length stage. As vine develops, train them to cling to the trellis.

6) Weeding – is necessary especially around the base of the plants within the

rows. Hilling up is also necessary as the vines start to climb the trellis. Remove the weeds in between rows and whenever they start to grow.

Harvesting –

a) Ampalaya –usually takes 15-20 days after fruit set to reach a marketable stage. Fruits are best harvested by cutting fruit peduncle with scissors or sharp knife.

b) Cucumber –pick cucumbers at any stage of development before seeds become hard. Cucumbers usually are eaten when immature. The best size depends upon the use and variety. They maybe when they have no more than 2 inches long for pickles, 4-6 inches long for dills and 6-8 inches long for slicing varieties (http://www.urbsnext.uiuc.edu/ veggies/cucumber1.html).

Watermelon 1. Planting distance - 1 m between hills x 3 m between rows 2. Recommended varieties: Sweet Senorita F1, Sweet Ruby F1, Sweet Sixteen

F1, Sugar baby, Sakata Goody ball F1, Sakata Sugar Baby OP, Condor Sugar baby OP, Thunderball F1, TK Hunter F1, Unicorn F1, KSU-003 F1

3. Method of planting – plant one seed at 2 cm depth, use plastic mulch to

promote earliness in flowering by warming the soil beneath the plastic. Planting of watermelon is recommended under open field (not under coconut trees) due to its high light requirement. However, it can still be planted in coconut plantation in single row planting with in-row spacing of 5m and between row spacing of 10 m (Magat, 2003). This kind of coconut planting provides 100% more palms (100 palms) than square 10m x 10 m planting system and direct sunlight transmission to coconut interrows due to wider planting distance.

4. Irrigation and drainage – watermelon is a thirsty plant. Provide adequate

water throughout the early growing season for good plant growth. When the


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female flowers appear regulate water supply to improve fruit setting. Then add more water when the fruit starts to develop. However, during ripening stage, it is important to reduce or withhold water for better tasting and sweeter fruits (Watermelon pamphlet, Allied Botanical Corp.).

5. First fruiting – usually the first flowers produce poorly developed ovaries

which results in deformed fruits. Removal of the first fruits is usually recommended (Watermelon pamphlet, Allied Botanical Corp.). Leave only 2-3 healthy fruits per plant. Most of the flowers appears 30-50 days after emergence.

6. Weed control – is essential especially during early stage. However,

watermelon is sensitive to some herbicide and should be applied with care. It is advisable to practice mulching (plastic or rice straw).

7. Harvesting – at 30-50 days after pollination. Use a combination of the

harvesting indicators: 1) light green, curly tendrils on the stem near the point of attachment of the melon usually turn brown and dry; 2) the surface color of the fruit turns dull; 3) the skin becomes resistant to penetration by the thumbnail and is rough to the tough; 4) the bottom of the melon (where it lies on the soil) turns from light green to a yellowish color (http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/veggies/watermelon1.html).These indicators for choosing a ripe watermelon are much reliable than “thumping” the melon with a knuckle. Many watermelon do not emit the proverbial “dull” thud when ripe. For these, the dull thud may indicate an over-ripe, mushy melon.

The growing vegetable industry is enhanced with the promotion of R & D

works of government, non-government agencies and private seed companies that have developed several modern vegetable technologies to increase vegetable productivity. These are the vegetable farming practices using:

a) Plastic mulch – to secure vegetable production during rainy season and

reduce time and labor cost for weeding, plastic mulch is being used by vegetable planters today (EWSC leaflet). The plastic mulch can be used in planting solanaceous vegetables and fruit vegetable i.e. watermelon planting (Fig.1a). To clip the plastic mulch firmly on the soil, cutted coconut leaf fronds about 6 inches in length with pointed tip was used instead of bamboo sticks (commonly used). Placing holes in the plastic mulch was done by pre-heating an appropriate size of tin can and pressing it into designated planting hole (Fig.1b). The benefits of plastic mulch are the following (ESWC New Technologies Info Package):

a. Reduces evaporation –soil water loss is reduced under plastic mulch.

As a result, a more uniform soil moisture is maintained and irrigation frequency can be reduced.

b. Fewer weed problems – black & silver-on-black mulches reduce light penetration to the soil. Weeds cannot generally survive under such a condition.

c. Reduces fertilizer leaching – excess water run-off the impervious mulch, fertilizer beneath the mulch is not lost by leaching so that fertilizers are optimally used and not wasted.

d. Reduces soil compaction –soil under plastic mulch remain loose, friable and well-aerated.

e. Root pruning eliminated – cultivation is eliminated except in the area between the mulched strips.


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f. Cleaner vegetable produce – edible product from mulched crop is cleaner and less subjected to rot, since no soil is splashed onto the plants or fruit.

g. Reduce drowning of crops – water is shed from the row area by the raised tapered bed so that excess runs off the field, thus reducing drowning and other excess soil water stress.

b) Trellis/Trellising net – is most commonly used in growing cucurbits like

ampalaya, upo, patola, melon and cucumber. It is also being used in legumes and some other solanaceous crops. This was used in ampalaya, tomato and cucumber production at PCA-DRC (Fig .2). The advantages of trellis/trellising nets are:

a. Helps you save on space b. Plants are easier to care for c. Plants will not be easily destroyed by heavy rains or winds d. Fruits are not easily attacked by ground crawling pests e. Fruits are healthier and cleaner f. Fruits are less subjected to rot than when lying on the soggy soil

c) Seedling tray (Fig. 3a) - for tomato and eggplant seedlings for good and

vigorous seedling is important, even critical because the health or quality of seedlings will largely contribute and determine the success of the crop. In the absence of plastic trays, seedlings can be temporary transplanted in native seedling container - rolled banana leaves (Fig. 3b) about one week before field planting.

d) Yellow sticky (with grease) billboard in vegetable plots as insect repellant

– to minimize insect infestation and use of synthetic insecticides, these materials are being installed in the vegetable demo plots at PCA-DRC, Bago Oshiro, Davao City as illustrated in Figure 4.

e) Foliar fertilization – if the supply of one or more of major (N, P, K)

secondary (Ca, Mg, S) and trace nutrients (Fe, Mn, Mo, B, Cu, Zn, Cl and Ni) is deficient, plant’s growth and development will be adversely affecting its yields (Yara Fertilizer Phil. Leaflet). To get high yield, these plant food nutrients must be present in the soil in available forms and in sufficient and balanced amounts. This is an ideal situation and hardly achievable. Soil application of fertilizers is still major method to feed effectively. However, there are some instances where nutrients from the soil becomes hardly available to plants.

Thus, the need for foliar fertilization offers a simple solution to

tackle nutrient deficiency problems. It is a good and practical to supplement the soil-applied fertilizer (Yara Fertilizer Phil. Leaflet). Some of the benefits of foliar fertilization are as follows:

1) Quick plant response to treating physiological disorders in plant caused

by nutrient deficiency/depletion in the soil; 2) Effective in alleviating temporary nutrient deficiencies due to the

absence of non-conducive soil environment; and 3) Two to twenty (2-20) times more efficient in food translocation than

soil-applied fertilizers.

Some of the important nutrients for vegetables that can be applied in liquid form are: (based on Liquid Natural Organic Micronutrient Chelates Leaflets and Liquid Systemic Nutrient ([P] Delivery Leaflet, Sagrex Corp)


Nutrient Function Deficiency Symptoms Rate/Mode of Application

1) Boron- B (10%)

– highly needed by ampalaya, watermelon

2) Zinc - Zn (10%)

Micronutrient chelates

3) Copper – Cu

(5%) 4) Molybdenum –

Mo (4%)

Protein synthesis, formation of plant hormones, promotes maturity, increases set of flowers by enhancing femaleness and inhibiting maleness, affects nitrogen & carbohydrates, water relation in plants Growth hormone, seed & grain formation, maturity date, height of plant, protein synthesis Enzyme activator, major function in photosynthesis & in reproductive stages, respiration, increases sugar content, improves flavor, intensifies color and greatly improves the keeping qualities in fruits &vegetables in shipment & storage. N metabolism & is necessary for the fixation of nitrogen by N-fixing bacteria, essential for nitrate reduction

Death of apical growing point, lateral shoots then develop & their growing points die so that plant becomes stunted & composed of numerous small shoots, stems & leaves may become thickened, distorted, brittle, flowering & fruiting greatly reduced. Death of apical growing point, uneven maturity of seeds Inhibit conversion of ammonia to glutamic acid (protein) and a tip burn and marginal scorch seen on the leaves, leaves may appear twisted & curled. Chlorosis in the form of spotting, mottling or general yellowing

Deficiency RateCrop Maint. 1 li/ha Mod. Def. 2-3li/ha Sev.Def 3-4 li/ha Frequency of appln- Spray every 15 days, applied after heavy rain or irrigation, early morning or late afternoon Crop Maint. 1-2 li/ha Med.Def. 2-3 li/ha Sev. Def. 3-4li/ha Crop Maint. 1-2li/ha Mod. Def. 2-3 li/ha Sev.Def. 4-6li/ha Crop Maint. 2li/ha Mod. Def. 1-2li/ha Sev. Def. 3-4 li/ha Applied at early growth phase until before plts enter their max. growth basic to legumes, esp. if no seed inoculation is practiced.


Nutrient Function Deficiency Symptoms Rate/Mode of Application

5. Calcium - Ca

(chelated) – 12%

6. Phosphorus

(Phos Pro) 16% P w/ 4% Ca

7. Manganese Mn

(5%)

Strengthens cell walls and membranes, ensures vigorous healthy growth, disease resistance & protection from toxins, longer shelf life, keeps freshness of harvested fruit or crop to avoid losses from wilting/rotting during storage or transport; Adequate Ca and correct Ca-Mg ratio contributes to good soil structure & texture hence water penetration & aeration. Increased fruit set, more uniform maturity, improved yield-solids content of fruit & vegetables,improves handling, storage and keeping qualities of crops, require for normal root development of plants Have a direct or indirect influence on chlorophyll formation, enzymes that function in respiration, & protein synthesis, activates the reduction of nitrate & hydroxylamine to ammonia.

Poor soil structure, hence poor aeration resulting to an anaerobic decomposi-tion process of crop residues that produces alcohol& formaldehyde instead of mild acids that forms humus complex. Alcohol (microbicide) kills microbes and formaldehyde – a preservative for embalming when present in the soil are detrimental to the crops. Incidence of diseases e.g.burning of leafy vegetables’ tips & edges (cabbage & lettuce), blossom end of tomato, potato soft rot, “water drenched’ marks in watermelon Plants susceptible to fungal and bacterial plant pathogens, less uniform maturity of crops, low quality of crops in terms of its storage ability Chlorosis as flecking, streaking or mottling depending on the crop affected. Growth is stunted, necrotic areas may develop on the leaves, subnormal root development, yellowish-green stem often hardy & woody

Crop Maint. 1-2 li/ha Med.Def. 2-3 li/ha Sev. Def. 3-4li/ha Crop Maint. 1-2 li/ha Med.Def. 2-3 li/ha Sev. Def. 3-4li/ha Crop Maint. 2 li/ha Med.Def. 4-5 li/ha Sev. Def. 6-8li/ha Liquid Mn –recommended to be used during the entire growth of plant.


f. Pest and disease management on vegetables Pest and disease incidence on vegetables if not controlled can also affect

greatly the yield of these crops. Hence, proper and timely application of preventive measure should be done. A knowledge of the possible pest and disease incidence for different kinds of crops is therefore necessary.

Some of the most common pests and diseases of some vegetables and

their control measures are:

Pest/Disease Description Damage Control Measures Plants being attacked

Pest 1.Fruit worm 2.Flea beetle 3.Spider mites 4. Aphids 5. Fruit & shoot

borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee)

Adult-yellowish brown, larva is pale with black head, usually wider than segments later color turn greenish brown Larva lives in the tissue of the midrib, petiole & stem. Adult is minute metallic blue Nymph-yellowish to lateral brown spots,adult female is light reddish brown with dark lateral spots male adult is yellowish Winged & non-winged types, form colonies underside of leaves A typical moth belonging to family Pyralidae, adult are weak fliers, active at night

Larva feeds on inflorescence & bores into the fruit Feeds on leaves & flowers of vegetable, scarred stem & fruit surfaces Nymph & adult suck the plant sap which causes leaves to discolor Sucks the juice from plants & some transmit viral disease to plants Larva bores into tender shoots & fruits, shoot wilt reducing plant vigor& fruit unfit for human consumption

Spray S3vin 85 WP at 3tbsp/5 gal of water or any insecticide at 7-10 days interval until controlled, hot pepper spray, B. thuringensis

- do - Spray Aramite at 1kg/200 gal water Spray insecticide following recommended dosage, hot pepper soln, organophosphate Sanitation, hot pepper spray, synthetic pyrethroids

Tomato, eggplant, beans, peas,potato Eggplant, Cucumber, squash, cabbage Beans, onions, garlic, tomato, eggplant Almost all Vegetables Eggplant, tomato, string beans/peas,


Pest/Disease Description Damage Control Measures Plants being attacked

6. Thrips Diseases 1. Bacterial wilt 2. Angular leaf

spot 3. Downy mildew 4. Mosaic virus 5. Anthracnose

Very small (1.3 mm)long, slender insects, with 2 prs of wings that are fringed with long hairs, adult –pale yellow light brown Caused by: Erwinia tracheiphila Pseudomonas syringae Cercospora sp. Psuedoperono-spora cubensis fungus Cucumber mosaic virus(transmitted by aphids vector or mechanical means) Colletotrichum lagenarium

Feed by rasping the surface of leaves & sucking up the liberated plant fluid Wilting of younger leaves & yellowing of the oldest leaf Younger leaves show pale green pimples on the under surface while the upper surface develops lesions Upper leaf surfaces show angular spots & becomes necrotic as dis. progress Light & dark green molting of leaves, slight curling, malformation of leaflets Leaf lesions begin as water soaked, then become yellowish circular spots, black & sunken cankers appear on the fruits

Biological control using predaceous mites, bugs, lacewings feeding the thrips Remove infected plants Practice crop rotation, spray dithane M-45 10-12 days when fruits are formed,sanitation Apply protectant and systemic fungicides Remove infected plant, sanitation,refrain from smoking, rouging Practice sanitation, crop rotation, use commercially disease-free seed

Onions, garlic tomato, pea, eggplant, Watermelon, beans Potato,tomato, eggplant,string beans,cucum-ber, Watermelon, ampalaya Tomato, beans,watermelon, cucumber, squash ampalaya Cucurbits, tomato, ampalaya Tomato, pepper, cucumber, melons, squash, celery Cucurbits,bean


Pest/Disease Description Damage Control Measures Plants being

attacked 6. Phythopthora

disease or fruit rot

7. Root knot

nematode 8. Early blight 8. Late blight

Phythopthora Palvimora P.capsici-pepper Meloidogyne spp. Alternaria solani fungus Phytopthora infestans

Infected fruit turns brown & rots in few days Presence of swelling or knots on the roots, vegetative symptoms resemble drought injury or nutrient def. Affected plants stunted Circular brown spots appear on leaves & stems, as these enlarge, concentric rings appear giving areas a target-like appearance, defoliation of lower leaves & death of plant Attacks both tubers and foliage at any stage of dev’t., soft rot of tubers

Crop rotation, avoid poorly drained soils, spray fungicide Apply chicken manure, crop rotation Thinning of affected plants, spray fungicide, crop rotation, use blight resistant variet., increase spacing between plts., do not overmulch as this leads to wet soils -do-

Cucurbits, pepper, tomato, eggplant Cabbage, tomato, Squash, eggplant Watermelon, tomato, eggplant, pepper, potatoes Potato, watermelon, tomato, eggplant


COCONUT With the coconut trees are already established and already at bearing

stage, the main farming practices are fertilization, underbrushing-weeding, mulching of the main rootzone of coconut (also considered the fertilizing zone at trunk base of trees), and harvesting. Post-harvest and primary processing practices (seasoning of partially immature nuts for 7–10 days, dehusking and copra processing) are common in small to medium scale farms. If sold to coconut desiccating plants, dehusked nuts are immediately marketed. Coconut husks await decortication/defibering, while coconut shells are converted to charcoal and sold to activated carbon processors.

A separate fertilization for the stands of coconut and the vegetable crop

(Annex A) is recommended. There are two average inorganic/mineral fertilizer recommendations for coconut: 1) using the combination of single fertilizers (ammonium sulfate plus common salt (for potassium-rich soils) or potassium chloride (0-0-60) for soils deficient in K; and 2) using ready-to-apply multinutrient fertilizers as the 14-5-20-0.02 (B), now commercially available like COCOGRO (ATLAS Brand) in 25 kg. capacity bags.

These two fertilizer recommendations are compatible with the application

of appropriate organic fertilizers (compost, cocopeat, commercial organic fertilizers). If capital resources to purchase organic fertilizers is available, any of these organic fertilizers ( total N, P and K of at least 5%) may be applied together with the mineral fertilizers (options 1 and 2) indicated below at the rate of 3-4 times of the periodic rates indicated. Organic fertilizers should be applied about a month ahead of the application of the inorganic/mineral fertilizers. Organic fertilizers serve best as soil conditioners and fertilizer supplements to the coconut-vegetable cropping system.

Option 1 Application of Single-Fertilizers (per tree):

Age/Stage Rate of Fertilizer Combination a

Field-planting (FP) 150 g AS + 160 g SC or 200g KCl

6 months from FP 200 g AS + 200 g SC or 200 g KCl

1 year 500 g AS + 450 g SC or 600 g KCl

2 years 750 g AS + 750 g SC or 900 g KCl

3 years 1.0 kg AS + 1.25 kg SC or 1.5 kg KCl

4 years 1.25 kg AS + 1.35 kg SC or 1.70 kg KCl

5 years and onwards 1.50 kg AS + 1.70 kg SC or 2.00 kg KCl

a AS – Ammonium sulfate (21-0-0); SC – Sodium chloride (common salt);

KCl – Potassium chloride (0-0-60)


Option 2 Application of ready-to-apply multinutrient

fertilizer (per tree):

Age/Stage Rate of 14-5-20 multi-nutrient Fertilizer a

Field-planting (FP) 400 g

6 months from FP 600 g

1 year 1.25 kg

2 years 1.50 kg

3 years 2.00 kg

4 years 2.50 kg

5 years and onwards 3.00 kg

a contains 14% N, 5% P2O5, 20% K2O plus 15% Cl , 4.5%S, 0.02% Boron, Ca.

5. INVESTMENT NEEDS: COSTS AND RETURNS For one hectare of coconut land or in a pure stand of coconut, only about 25% of the soil mass is actually utilized by the coconut (Magat,1999). The remaining 75% of coconut land can be productively utilized by planting suitable intercrops e.g. vegetables. Thus, if the effective land use index (ELUI) is assumed at: 0.30 ha for eggplant, 0.30 ha for ampalaya, 0.15 ha for cabbage, the total land use index adds to 1.75 ha or 75% increase in land use intensity (LUI) over 1 ha coconut monocropped. Hence, in the annual cropping cost and return analysis of coconut + vegetable cropping model, the ELUI for each intercrop planted with the standing coconuts is used. Table 5.1 and 5.2 shows an average cost and return analysis of the each vegetable intercrop, eggplant, ampalaya and cabbage respectively, covering a 3-year production period. For each component intercrop, details of costs involved in the production are indicated. Please take note that the cost and return analysis varies depending on local farm inputs and prices of farm produce, particularly at farm gate price of each component vegetable crop. The same is true with main crop, coconut, the economic conditions and local prices of copra as well as coconut products, usually dictated by global price trends, serves as important basis of profitability in coconut farming.


Table 5.1 An estimated costs and returns analysis of coconut + eggplant + ampalaya + cabbage intercropping system (3-yr cropping period), data for eggplant, ampalaya and cabbage mainly from DA-BAS (2001-03).

Crop/Cost item Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Eggplant (0.30 ha) Cash Cost: ( seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, hired labor, other material inputs and expenses)

P15,069 P14,927 P17,096

Non-cash Cost: (hire-labor paid in kind, harvster’s share, lease rental)

647 582 581

Imputed Cost: (operator/family labor, depreciation, interest on operating capital, rental value of owned land)

7,514 7,669 8,347

Total Costs 23,230 23,178 26,024Returns:

Gross Returns 30,033 27,884 27,414Returns over cash costs 15,264 12,957 10,319Net Returns 7,103 4,706 1,390BCR 0.31 0.20 0.05Yield per 0.30 ha (kg) 2,495 2,589 2,529Price per kg (farmgate) 12.16 10.77 10.84Production cost/kg 9.31 8.95 10.29Ampalaya (0.30 ha) Cash Cost (seeds/fertilizer/pesticides P13,117 P13,407 P15,331 hired labor, land tax, fuel. Oil) Non-cash Cost (hired labor-paid in kind 447 497 540Harvester’s share) Imputed cost (operator & family labor, 11,485 11,840 12,812exchange labor, depreciation) Total Costs 25,049 25,744 28,683Returns: Gross Returns 23,873 27,927 31,125Net Returns over cash costs 10,756 14,519 15,794Net Returns (1,176) 2,183 2,442BCR -0.04 0.08 0.09Yield per 0.30 ha (kg) 1,705 1,729 1,743Price per kg (farmgate) 14.00 16.15 17.86Production cost/kg 14.69 14.89 16.46Cabbage (0.15 ha) Cash Cost (seeds/fertilizer/pesticides P5,167 P5,307 P5,948 hired labor, land tax, fuel. Oil) Non-cash Cost (hired labor-paid in kind 2.1 2.85 3.0Harvester’s share) Imputed cost (operator & family labor, 3,145 3,482 3,760exchange labor, depreciation) Total Costs 8,314 8,792 9,710Returns: Gross Returns 10,277 14,194 15,301Net Returns over cash costs 5,110 8,887 9,353Net Returns 1,963 5,402 5,591BCR 0.24 0.61 0.58Yield per 0.15 ha (kg) 1,742 1,757 1,781Price per kg (farmgate) 5.90 8.08 8.59


Crop/Cost item Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Coconut (1 ha): @ 2 t copra/ha, @P15/kg or Nuts=8,000/ha

Fertilizer application P360 360 360Circle-weeding, 4.5 mda, 6x/yr P2,430 2,430 2.430Fertilizer costb P2,000 P2,000 P2,000Cost of harvesting, piling,hauling, dehusking @ P0.35/nut

P2,800 P2,800 P2,800

Copra making @ P0.12/kg P960 P 960 P960Transport/Handlings, @P0.20/kg P400 P 400 P400Total Cost P8,950 P8,950 P8,950Yield (kg copra/ha) 2,000 2,000 2,000Gross Income P30,000 P30,000 P30,000Net Income P21,050 P21,050 P21,050BCR 2.35 2.35 2.35a man-days b average fertilization: 1.5 kg AS + 1.7 Kg NaCl (common salt) @ P 5/kg and P 4/kg, respectively, @ 135 trees/ha. Table 5.2 Summary of 3-year average of Costs and Returns of a

Coconut+Eggplant+Ampalaya+Cabbage in a 3-year period cropping model (Land Use Intensity= 1.75 ha: 1 ha coconut, 0.3 ha eggplant, 0.3 ha ampalaya, 0.15 ha cabbage)

Economic Index

Coconut (1 ha)

Eggplant(0.3 ha)

Ampalaya

(0.3 ha) Cabbage

(0.15 ha) Total

Total Cost P8,950 P24,144 P26,492 P8,939 P68,525

Yield (kg) 2,000 2,538 1,726 1,760 8,024

Gross Income

P30,000 28,444 27,642 13,257 99,343

Net Income P21,050 4,300 1,150 4,318 30,818

Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR)

2.35 0.18 0.04 0.48 0.76 (ave)

Prodn cost per kg)

P4.47 9.52 15.3 5.07 34.36


6. POTENTIAL FINANCING SOURCES/CREDIT FACILITIES

• Self or In-House Finance (Private) • Local Government Units (Municipal, Provincial, Congressional) • Government Banks & Lending Institutions • Private Banks and Lending Agencies • Cooperatives • Foundations

REFERENCES: Deltaspray foliar fertilizers Leaflet. Published by Yara Fertilizers Phil. Inc. Unit

1404, 14th /F Antel 2000. 121 Valero St. Salcedo Village, Makati City. Phil.

ESWC Manual and New Technologies Information Package. Undated. Published by the East-West Seed Company, Inc.

Liquid natural organic micronutrient chelates (Ca,Mn,Zn & S, B,Cu) leaflets. Published by Sagrex Corporation. TCG Compound. Km 9. Sasa, Davao City.

Liquid Systemic Nutrient (PhosPro) Delivery. Published by Sagrex Corporation. TCG Compound. Km 9. Sasa, Davao City.

Magat, S. S. 2003. Coconut Planting System (Spacing and Arrangement) Options in Intercropping or Multiple cropping of coconut lands. CANFARMS Technology Notes 21. PCA-RDEB. July, 2003. 4 p.

Magat, S.S. 1999. Production management of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Published by PCA, Diliman, Quezon City. 67 p.

Magat, S.S. 2004. Growing of intercrops in coconut lands to generate more food and agricultural products, jobs, and enhancing farm incomes. Coconut Intercropping Primer. PCA-RDEB, Diliman, Quezon City.

PCARRD-DOST. 1995. The Tomato Industry. Los Banos, Laguna. Phil. Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources research and Development.

PCARRD-DOST. 2000. The Eggplant Industry. Los Banos, Laguna. Phil. Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources research and Development.

PHILIPPINE COCONUT AUTHORITY (undated). Intercropping coconut with solanaceous crops. PCA Brochure.

Tips for a successful ampalaya production. Undated. Information leaflet produced by Allied Botanical Corporation. # 15, 21st Ave.,Tagumpay, Cubao, Quezon City.

Tips for a successful watermelon production. Undated. Information Leaflet produced by Allied Botanical Corporation. # 15, 21st Ave.,Tagumpay, Cubao, Quezon City.


From the internet:

ampalaya.com http://www.bar.gov.phhttp://bas.gov.ph/downloads_view http://www.da.gov.ph/tips/sweet pepper.htmlhttp://www.hortinet.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/tomato industry_situationer.htmlhttp:/www.tribo.org/vegetable/ampalaya.htmlhttp://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/veggies/watermelon.htmlhttp://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/veggies/cucumber.htmlhttp:vegetablemdonline.pptath.cornell.edu/factsheets/cucurbits_Anthracnose.htm http:vegetablemdonline.pptath.cornell.edu/factsheets/cucurbits_Phytoph.htm http:vegetablemdonline.pptath.cornell.edu/factsheets/cucurbits_Foliar.htm http:vegetablemdonline.pptath.cornell.edu/factsheets/cucurbits_beetles.htm

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE, YOU MAY CONTACT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES SITUATED NEAR YOU:

Research & Development, and Extension Branch, PCA, Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Telefax: 920-0415 Tel: 426-1398 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected]

Field Services Branch, PCA, Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Telefax: 928-9488 Tel: 929-1590

Albay Research Center (ARC), PCA, Banao, Guinobatan Albay Tel: (052) 484-6686 or 484-6685

Davao Research Center (DRC), PCA, Bago-Oshiro, Davao City, PO Box 80437Tel: (082) 293-0115/0116/0119 Fax No. (082) 293-0571 Email: [email protected]

Zamboanga Research Center (ZRC), PCA, San Ramon, Zamboanga City, PO Box 356 Tel: (0917) 710-1820 Email: pca_zrc@pldtdsl,net

PCA Region IV-B (MIMAROPA and rest of Luzon) Diliman, Quezon City Telefax: 924-4761 Tel: 927-5227

PCA Region V (Bicol) , Sagpon, Legaspi City Tel: (052) 245-5263 Fax: (052) 245-5263

PCA Region VI (Western Visayas), 12 Mabini St., Iloilo City Tel: (033) 337-7514 Fax: (033) 335-0977

PCA Region VII (Central Visayas), DA7, Mandaue City (CEBU) Tel: (032) 345-0009 Fax: (032) 345-8435

PCA Region VIII (Eastern Visayas), Gov’t Center, Candahug, Palo, Leyte Tel: (053) 323-2698 Fax: (053) 323-2995


http://www.bar.gov.ph/

http://www.da.gov.ph/tips/sweet%20pepper.html




mailto:[email protected]



PCA Region IX (Western Mindanao), J.P. Rizal St., Zamboanga City Tel: (062) 991-6369 Fax: (062) 992-1031

PCA Region X (Northern Mindanao), #30 Daumar St., Cagayan De Oro City Tel: (088) 857-3707 Fax: (088) 272-2814 Email: [email protected]

PCA Region XI (Southern Mindanao), PCA Complex, Bago-Ohiro, Tugbok District, Davao City Tel: (082) 293-0384 Telefax: (082) 293-0049

PCA Region XII (Central Mindanao), 2nd Flr, AS Bldg. , Cor. JP Laurel and CM Recto Sts, Gen. Santos City Tel: (083) 544-6263 Telefax: (083) 553-9424 Email: [email protected]

PCA Region XIII (CARAGA), JC Aquino Ave., Pajera Subd., Butuan City Tel: (085) 815-3232 Fax: (085) 226-4621

PCA-ARMM, Emilio Ong Bldg., Quezon Ave., Cotabato City Telefax: (064) 421-2412.

Drafted by: MI Secretaria/SS Magat 21 October 2005/ PCA/DRC-ASD/RDEB-ARMD




Annex A. Technical information of different vegetable crops at various growth stages (based on EWSC varieties).

Vegetable # seeds per g

Sowing rate/ha (g) Transplant Direct

Planting distance (cm) In row Between rows* Trellised w/o Tr.

Crop cycle days

Tomato Eggplant Sweet Pepper Hot Pepper Ampalaya Patola Cucumber Calabasa Upo Watermelon Muskmelon Cabbage Cauliflower Pechay Radish Mustaza Kangkong Coriander Shallot Onion Carrot Sitao Snapbean Bush Sitao Mungbean Cowpea Okra Sweet corn

300 250 200 200 5 15 50 10 10 30 40 170 170 370 60 550 70 90 300 300 570 6 7 6 25 7 20 10

200 200 200 200

2000 3500550 1200550 1200

1000 1500 350 800 600 1000 500 2000 450 700

2000 50008000

2000 5000 10,000 30,000 6,000 6,000 10,000 7,000 7,000 7,000 10,000 10,000 7,000 12,000

50 75 75 75 120 50 75 100 50 75 100 50 250 75 200 50 75 100 300 200 200 100 250 75 250 75 75 75 broadcast -do- -do- -do- 5 15 5 15 10 10 30 75 30 75 30 50 10 10 30 100 50 75 25 75

120 180 180 180 150 180 100 160 180 100 100 85 60 30 60 35 30 50 110 120 120 120 120 120 45 120 120 70

* Recommended spacing using raised bed method to achieve highest yield with

year round cropping (EWSC Technical Information Package Manual)


Annex B. Fertilization schedule (kind and rate of fertilizer) for different vegetable crops.

Vegetable crop Day Kind Rate

1.Tomato & eggplant 2. Squash 3.Ampalaya 4.Cucumber 5. Watermelon

FP -0

3 10 14 17 28 55 0 7 28 49 70 0 3

10 17 30

44 58 0 5 10 15 20

25 30 35 0 3 10 17

24 31 38 45

Solophos (0-18-0) Calcium nitrate -do- Urea (45-0-0) Calcium nitrate 14-14-14 KCl (0-0-60) 14-14-14 Calcium nitrate Urea (45-0-0) 14-14-14 -do- Mix compost or any organic fertilizer to soil prior to planting 14-14-14 Calcium nitrate Borax Urea (45-0-0) 14-14-14 14-14-14 Borax Zinc sulfate 14-14-14 14-14-14

Calcium nitrate -do- Urea(45-0-0) 14-14-14 -do- Borax Calcium nitrate 14-14-14 -do- 14-14-14 -do- -do- Calcium nitrate 14-14-14 14-14-14 14-14-14 14-14-14 14-14-14 KCl (0-0-60) Ammonium phosphate(16-20-0)

10 g /plant 60 g/16 li water 60 g/16 li water 15 g/plant 50 g/16 li water 30 g/plant 10 g/plant 30 g /plant 60 g/16 li water 20 g/plant 30 g/plant 30 g/plant 20 gm/plant 60 g/16 li water 0.30 g/plant 20 g/plant 20 g/plant 20 g/plant 0.3g /plant 0.3g/plant 20g/plant 20g/plant 60 g/16 li water -do- 20 g/plant 20 g/plant 20 g/plant 0.3 g/plant 60 g/16 li water 20 g/plant 20g/plant 20g/plant 60g/16 li water 10g/plant 60g/16 li water 10g/plant 20g/plant 20g/plant 20g/plant 10g/plant 15g/plant


(a)

(b)

Fig. 1. (a) Plastic mulch used in watermelon production at PCA-DRC, encircled part shows the cutted coconut leaf frond used as attachment clip for the mulch to the soil, (b) heated tin can for making planting hole in the plastic mulch.

(a) (b) (c)

Fig 2. Use of trellis/trellising net in (a) ampalaya, (b)cucumber and(c) tomato production at PCA-DRC, Bago Oshiro, Davao City.

Fig. 3. Eggplant and tomato seedlings placed in (a) seedling trays and (b) bags (rolled banana leaves), respectively before field transplanting.

a) b)

Fig. 4. Yellow sticky billboard (with grease) installed in vegetable plots, which repels flying insects infesting the vegetables planted at PCA-DRC, Bago Oshiro, Davao City.


Documents

Philippine Coconut Authority - Department of Agriculture