Fermented Plant Juice as Growth Enhancer for Pechay

(Brassica rapa)

Life Science- Individual Category

Rikki Mae G. Alonsagay

Researcher

Ires G. Hachero

Research Teacher

Tapaz National High School

Science Technology and Engineering Class

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENTS PAGE

 Title Page 1

 Table of Content 2

 Introduction 3

 Background of the Study

 Statement of the Problem

 Hypothesis

 Materials and Method 8

 Results 10

 Discussion 11

 Conclusion

 Recommendation

 Acknowledgement

 References/ Bibliography
 Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of

fermented plant juice as a growth enhancer for Pechay
(Brassica rapa). Four treatments were investigated:
Treatment A (fermented Malunggay leaves extract),
Treatment B (fermented Kangkong leaves extract),
Treatment C (fermented Guyabano leaves extract), and
Treatment D (tap water). The parameters assessed included
the number of leaves, plant height, and plant weight.
Results were analyzed statistically using Mean and One-
Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 0.05 level of
significance. Results showed that there is no significant
difference among treatments in number of leaves, height
and weight. Treatment A obtained greater number of leaves
and showed increased in average weight. However,
Treatment B enhanced the plant average height. Therefore,
fermented Malunggay leaves extract is the most effective
as plant growth enhancer.
 INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The agricultural sector of the country is in crisis

when it comes in production of crops(Food and

Agricultural Organization of United Nations). Cultivating

good soil in the Philippines is a good commercial

opportunity not only for farmers (Rapples 2017). It is

highly essential to determine the ecotoxity level of

nanomaterials present in the soil, since it would severly

affect beneficial microorganism (Annapurna et al.) Across

the world , a heavenly use of chemical fertilizer is a

major environmental issue in agricultural fields for

sustainable growth of plants (Annapurna et al.)

One potential alternative is the use of organic

amendments derived from natural sources. Fermented plant

juices have gained attention as organic plant supplements

due to their potential to enhance nutrient availability

and promote plant growth. Fermentation involves the

breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, leading to

the release of beneficial compounds that can stimulate

plant growth and improve soil fertility.

Pechay (Brassica rapa var. chinensis), also known as

Chinese cabbage or bok choy, is a leafy vegetable widely

cultivated for its nutritional value. It is rich in

essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and

phytochemicals.

Several studies have investigated the use of

fermented plant extracts as plant growth enhancers. Yang

et al. (2018) found that fermented soybean extract

improved the growth and yield of tomato plants by

enhancing nutrient absorption and stimulating root

development. Similarly, Kim et al. (2020) reported that

fermented seaweed extract enhanced the growth and

productivity of lettuce through increased nutrient uptake

and improved soil microbial activity.

Despite the growing interest in fermented plant

extracts, limited research has been conducted on the

potential of fermented juice as growth enhancer.

Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the

efficacy of fermented plant juice as growth enhancer. By

conducting a series of experiments, the researchers will

evaluate its effects on the growth, in terms of number of

leaves, height and weight of pechay. The findings of this

study could provide valuable insights into the potential

application of fermented plant juice in sustainable

agriculture practices.
Statement of the Problem

 General Objectives

This study aimed to determine the effect of fermented

plant juice as growth enhancer for pechay (brassica

rapa).

 Specific Objectives

Specifically, this study aimed to answer the following

questions:

1. What is the effect of fermented plant juice as growth

enhancer for pechay?

2. Which among the four treatments is most effective as

growth enhancer for Pechay (Brassica rapa)in terms of:

a. number of leaves

b. height

c. weight

3. Is there a significant difference in the varying

concentrations of fermented plant juice as growth

enhancer for pechay in terms of number of leaves?

4. Is there a significant difference in the varying

concentrations of fermented plant juice as growth

enhancer for pechay in terms of height?

5.Is there a significant difference in the varying

concentrations of fermented plant juice as growth

enhancer for pechay in terms of weight?

Statement of Hypothesis

1. Among the four treatments made no one is most

effective as growth enhancer for Pechay (Brassica

rapa)in terms of:

a. number of leaves

b. height

c. weight

2. There is no significant difference in the varying

concentrations of fermented plant juice as growth

enhancer for pechay in terms of number of leaves?

3. There is no significant difference in the varying

concentrations of fermented plant juice as growth

enhancer for pechay in terms of height?

4.There is no significant difference in the varying

concentrations of fermented plant juice as growth

enhancer for pechay in terms of weight?

 MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gathering the Plant Materials and Equipment

The researchers first gathered the materials needed.

Plant materials were collected at Tapaz, Capiz.

(Malunggay leaves, Kangkong leaves, Guyabano leaves,

Pechay seeds), measuring tools (Graduated cylinder,

markers), basins, ceramic pots or plastic pails, net bag

or cloth, bag, paper or cloths for covering, chopping

board, scissors or knives, sugar and water jars.

Preparation of Materials:

Preparation of seed box/soil. The seed box were made

from used ½ plastic gallon container. The container were

pierced to allow excess water to drain out. Each seed box

was filled with mixed soil, one part garden soil, one

part compost, one-part carbonized rice hull together.

Once the boxes are filled, the soil were watered

thoroughly, and the excess water were drained. These made

the soil to become moist.

Preparation of Guyabano, Kangkong and Malunggay. The

plants were collected early in the morning while it is

still fresh, and the microorganisms are still present.

Plant materials were not washed. The collected plants

were chopped into small pieces, so that it were extracted

easily. Each ½ kg. of chopped materials were put in 3

different basins and were mixed with ½ kg. of sugar. The

plants were extracted thoroughly with hands. Make sure

that the plants and sugar were mixed properly. To

separate, the plant materials were attached in net bag or

cloth in basins. The juice was poured in the pail to

separate the juice, the extraction needed pressure to

compress the plant materials. To seal the plant juice,

the 3 different plant juices were placed inside the 3

different jars with labels attached. It was covered with

cloths or paper and secured with rubber band, so that the

air was allowed to get inside the jar and for the gas

that were produced during the fermentation process. The

date process and expected date of harvest were written on

jars. To store the plant juice, it was stored in a cool

dry shady place, high place and clean area.

Preparation of treatment, Treatment A, 45 ml.

fermented Malunggay (Moringa oliefa) leaves were mixed

with 55 ml. of sterilized water; Treatment B, 45 ml.

fermented Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica) leaves were mixed

with 55 ml. of sterilized water; Treatment C, 45 ml.

fermented Guyabano (Soursop) leaves were mixed with 55

ml. sterilized water; treatment D, 100 ml. tap water.

Transplanting of pechay seedlings. After 2-3 weeks

of sowing or when it has 3 or 4 leaves, the pechay was

put in 5 pots by slowly digging the soil, made sure not

to cut the roots. It was transferred one by one. The

pots were put indirectly from the sun.

Watering. Pechay needs much water during its growing

period. The plants were watered early in the morning to

prevent sunscald. The pechay were watered everyday if

there is no rain.

Application of treatments. The treatments with the

same dosage; it was sprayed on the leaves and trunks of

pechay plant 1 to 2 times a week.

Harvesting. Pechay plants were harvested as early

as three weeks after planting or between 30-40 days after

sowing.

Data and Data Gathering Procedure

The data needed were gathered using researchers made

observation sheet. Results were based on the no. of

leaves, height and weight to test the effectiveness of

the treatments and control. It was measured in

centimeters.

Statistical Data Analysis Procedure

The data obtained from the study were subjected to

the following descriptive and inferential statistical

treatments using the Statistical Package for Social

Science (SPSS) Software.

 The statistical tools used in this study were:

Mean- The mean was used to determine the average scores

of the results of the treatments in this study. ANOVA

used to determine the difference between two or more

means set at 0,05 level of significance.

 Results

The data required for this experimental study was

collected by using a researcher made observation sheet.

The following test statistics were used to access the

required data: the mean and ANOVA below is an explanation

of how the descriptive data was interpreted and

presented:

Table 1a. Number of leaves

Treatmen Number of Leaves Tota Mea

t l n
Replicatio Replicatio Replicatio
n 1 n 2 n 3
A 13 8 9 30 10
B 7 9 8 24 8
C 7 7 4 18 6
D 5 7 6 18 6
Total 32 31 27 90 30

Table 1b. Average Height

Treatment Average Height (cm) Total Mean

Replication Replication Replication
1 2 3
A 15.5 17 17 49.5 16.5
B 19 21.5 16 56.5 18.83
C 18 18.5 18 54.5 18.16
D 14.5 15.5 16 46 15.33
Total 67 72.5 67 206.5

Table 1c. Average Weight

Treatmen Average Weight (g) Tota Mean

t l
Replicatio Replicatio Replicatio
n 1 n 2 n 3
A 40 30 40 110 36.6
6
B 30 30 30 90 30
C 30 20 20 70 23.3
3
D 10 10 10 30 10
Total 110 90 100 250

Table 2. ANOVA on the Number of Leaves

ANOVA
Source of
Variation SS df MS F P-value
Between
Groups 33 3 11 1.63 0.25
Within
Groups 54 8 6.75

Total 89 11

Table 3. ANOVA in terms of Height

ANOVA
Source of
Variation SS df MS F P-value
Between
Groups 22.726 3 7.15733 3.6427 0.06
Within
Groups 18.004 8 2.2505

Total 89 11

Table 4. ANOVA in terms of Weight

ANOVA
Source of P-
Variation SS df MS F value
Between 319.443
Groups 958.33 3 3 3.0666 0.09
Within 104.167
Groups 833.34 8 5

Total 89 11
 Discussion
1a. Number of Leaves

Four treatments were tested: Treatment A, Treatment

B, Treatment C, and Treatment D. Each treatment was

replicated three times. The results of the experiment

showed that Treatment A had the highest total number of

leaves (30) across all replications, with an average of

10 leaves per replication. Treatment B had a total of 24

leaves and an average of 8 leaves per replication.

Treatments C and D both had a total of 18 leaves, with an

average of 6 leaves per replication.

1b. Average Height

The experiment included in four treatments:

Treatment A, Treatment B, Treatment C, and Treatment D,

each replicated three times. The results showed that

Treatment B had the highest total height (56.5 cm) across

all replications, with an average height of 18.83 cm.

Treatment C had the second highest total height (54.5 cm)

and an average height of 18.16 cm. Treatments A and D had

lower total heights of 49.5 cm and 46 cm, respectively,

with average heights of 16.5 cm and 15.33 cm.

1c. Average Weight

The results indicated that Treatment A had the

highest total weight (110 g) across all replications,

with an average weight of 36.66 g. Treatment B had a

total weight of 90 g and an average weight of 30 g.

Treatments C and D both had a total weight of 70 g, with

average weights of 23.33 g and 10 g, respectively.

Table 2. ANOVA results on the Number of Leaves

ANOVA results revealed that the p-value (0.25) is

greater than (0.05) thus the null hypothesis was

accepted. Therefore, there is no significant difference

on the fermented plant juice as growth enhancer for

pechay in terms of number of leaves.

Table 3. ANOVA results in terms of Height

ANOVA results revealed that the p-value (0.06) is

greater than (0.05) thus the null hypothesis was

accepted. Therefore, there is no significant difference

on the fermented plant juice as growth enhancer for

pechay in terms of height.

Table 4. ANOVA results in terms of Weight

 ANOVA results revealed that the p-value (0.09) is

greater than (0.05) thus the null hypothesis was

accepted. Therefore, there is no significant difference

on the fermented plant juice as growth enhancer for

pechay in terms of weight.

Conclusion

Based on the results, the researchers concluded that

in terms of the number of leaves, Treatment A, which

involved fermented Malunggay leaves extract, demonstrated

the highest average number of leaves compared to the

other treatments. In terms of plant height, Treatment B,

with Kangkong leaves extract, displayed the highest

average height among other treatments. In terms of plant

weight, Treatment A using fermented Malunggay leaves

extract exhibited the highest average weight compared to

the other treatments.

The researcher therefore conclude, that the use of

fermented Malunggay leaves extract (Treatment A)

effectively increased the number of leaves and weight of

Pechay.

This study focuses on the potential of using

fermented plant juice as a natural and cost-effective

approach to promote Pechay growth.

 Recommendation

Based on the conclusions of this study, the

following recommendations can be made: 1. Further

Research: Conduct further research to identify the

specific compounds and nutrients present in the fermented

Malunggay leaves extract that contribute to its

effectiveness in promoting Pechay growth. Understanding

the underlying mechanisms can help optimize the

application and dosage of the extract, leading to more

targeted and efficient results. 2. Adoption and

Education: Promote the adoption of natural and

sustainable growth enhancers like fermented plant juices

among Pechay growers. Educate farmers and gardeners about

the benefits of using organic alternatives to synthetic

fertilizers and chemicals. 3. Experiment with Different

Plant Sources: Explore the use of fermented plant juices

from other plant sources to investigate their potential

as growth enhancers for Pechay. Different plants may

contain unique combinations of nutrients and bioactive

compounds that can stimulate plant growth. By

implementing these recommendations, the agricultural

community can benefit from the use of natural and

sustainable growth enhancers, reducing dependence on

synthetic chemicals and promoting environmentally

friendly practices while achieving optimal Pechay growth

and yield.

Acknowledgment

This paper and the research behind it would not have

been possible without the exceptional support of my

teachers and classmates. Mrs. Ires G. Hachero, adviser,

for her support, advices, valuable comments and guidance

that made this study a success. Shared her ideas and

helped us in every step of this study. We, the

researchers are very grateful for having such a good

adviser like you. Ms. Hannah Gardose, English Critic, for

her advice and effort in checking this study. Mr. Stephen

Diestro, Statistician and Math adviser, for his support

and suggestions in order for this study to be a great

success. To our GOD ALMIGHTY for without His grace and

blessings this study would not have been possible.

Finally, we wish to thank to our parents for their

support and encouragement throughout this study.

 Bibliography/References

Kim, S. M. (2020). Effect of fermented seaweed

extract on the growth and yield of lettuce

(Lactuca sativa L.). Korean Journal of

Medicinal Crop Science, 28(3), 199-205.

Yang, S.Y. (2018). Effects of fermented soybean

extract on the growth and yield of tomato

seedlings. Journal of the Korean Society of

International Agriculture, 30(1),