1

EFFECTS OF MULCH ON THE GROWTH, YIELD AND WEED

DEVELOPMENT OF EGGPLANTS (Solanum melongena L.)

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in Agricultural Research

By

Abellanosa, George H.
Asis, Erica S.
Hansol, Karl Alvene G.
Oracion, Micheal John C.
Quising, Oriel T.
Catura, Arlyn Grace L.
Herale, Aaron Jay S.
Tosio, Zyra Dez C.

JANUARY 2019
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers would like to extend their deepest gratitude, first of all to

almighty God for his abundant blessings, love, strength, and the chance to be with his

wonderful world which he created; and become the bridge towards the sought of

knowledge and wisdom.

To De La Salle Araneta University-Agrivet Science Institute in providing the

necessary tools and materials needed in conducting the research.

The researchers would also like to emphasize their sincerity and deep gratitude to

their beloved and supportive teacher Ms. Elma V. Pulgarinas, for being considerate and

for her support throughout the duration of the study

And lastly, to all the people that helped the researches in completing their

research making it successful. Helping them to achieve their objectives and stated goals

through providing and attending the researchers needs such as physiological, emotional,

and spiritual.

The Glory and thanks giving will be always offered back to him!
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ABSTRACT

The study aspires to compare two different plots with and without plastic

mulch for growing eggplants. The study was conducted in order to find the answer

on how to lessen weed development increasing the yield of crops and to identify the

different species of weed and its population on eggplant. Specifically, the success

of the research was based on the harvested fruit of the eggplant and the data

gathered. The result from the gathered data shows that black plastic mulch obtained

longer fruit length of 56.4 cm compared to the plot without black plastic mulch

which has 22.5 cm. For weed height, plots with black plastic mulch obtained

shorter length of 15.1 cm compared to the plot without plastic mulch which has

28.3 cm. For weed species, researchers identified 11 kind of species of weeds that

grown in plot with black plastic mulch and plot without mulch and identify them. In

terms of weed density, plots with black plastic mulch had lesser weed density

compared to the plot without black plastic mulch. For the total yield, the plot with

black plastic mulch have the highest total yield compared to plot without black

plastic mulch. Marketable and non- marketable fruit was also obtained, plot with

black plastic mulch have the highest marketable yield of 0.87 kg compared to

control which only has 0.64 kg.

Based on the findings of the study, with the help of black plastic mulch, water,

good management practice and vermicompost as fertilizer, the plot with black

plastic mulch was effective in controlling the growth of weeds and increasing the

yield of eggplant.
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Table of Contents
TITLE PAGE 1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 2
ABSTRACT 3
CHAPTER
1 INTRODUCTION 6
Background of the Study 6
Statement of the Problem 8
Objectives of the Study 8
Importance of the Study 9
Scope of Limitation 9
Time and Place of the Study 9
2 Methodology 10
Treatments Used 10
Location of the Study 10
Land Preparation 10
Mulching 11
Transplanting 11
Water Management 11
Weed Management 12
Pest Management 12
Nutrient Management 12
Harvesting 12
Data Gathered 13
3 Results and Discussion 15
Height of Weeds 15
Fruit Length 16
Weed Species 17
Weed Density 18
Total Yield 19
Marketable Yield 20
Non-Marketable Yield 21
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SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND

4 RECOMMENDATION 22
Summary
22
Conclusion 22
Recommendation 23

Review of Related Literature 24

Literature Cited 27
Appendices 28
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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Eggplant (Solanum melongena), also called aubergine or Guinea squash is a

tender perennial plant of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), grown for its edible

fruits. It requires a warm climate and has been cultivated in native Southeast

Asia since remote antiquity. A staple in cuisines of the Mediterranean region,

eggplant figures prominently in such classic dishes as the Greek moussaka, the

Italian eggplant parmigiana, and the Middle Eastern relish baba ghanoush. It is also

frequently served as a baked, grilled, fried, or boiled vegetable and is used as a

garnish and in stews. The plant is closely related to the tomato (Lycopersicum

esculentum) and the potato (S. tuberosum) as well as to several

poisonous nightshades. (https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Eggplant)

It is usually grown as an annual and features an erect bushy stem that is

sometimes armed with spines. The leaves are large, ovate, and slightly lobed. The

pendant violet flowers are characteristically solitary and approximately 5 cm (2

inches) across. The fruit is a large egg-shaped berry with a glossy surface that

varies in colour from dark purple to red, pink, yellowish, or white and is sometimes

striped; the colour and shape of the white variety is the source of the common

name. (https://www.britannica.com/plant/eggplant)
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Eggplant (Solanum melongena) are rich sources of phenolic compounds that

function as antioxidants. Plants form such compounds to protect themselves against

oxidative stress from exposure to the elements, as well as from infection by bacteria and

fungi. In addition to featuring a host of vitamins and minerals, eggplant also contains

important phytonutrients, many which have antioxidant activity. Phytonutrients contained

in eggplant include phenolic compounds, such caffeic and chlorogenic acid, and

flavonoids, such as nasunin, a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger that has been

shown to protect cell membranes from damage. (http://www.whfoods.com)

It also has an overwhelming supply of any one nutrient, they do contain an

impressive array across the board of many vitamins and minerals, such as excellent

amounts of fiber, folate, potassium and manganese, as well as vitamins C, K, and B6,

phosphorus, copper, thiamin, niacin, magnesium, and pantothenic acid.

Studies indicate that eggplant has a number of health benefits from all these

ingredients, as well as traditional uses. Sometimes, the leaves and roots are juiced or

boiled to make a tonic for throat and stomach troubles, asthma, skin diseases,

rheumatism, inflammation, intestinal hemorrhages, foot pain, coughs, anorexia,

toothache, or as a general stimulant. (https://foodfacts.mercola.com/eggplant.html)

Weeds are one of the major problems that farmers are facing since a long time

ago because of their potential to reduce yield of crops when not manage properly. Weeds

reduce the quantity and quality of agricultural produces affecting both industry and

consumers.
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They also provide habitats to pest that carries diseases affecting the growth a nd

yield of crops. Controlling the growth of weeds should be done for they pose great harm

to agricultural crops lowering their quality and quantity.

Thus, this study will aim to determine the effects of black plastic mulch on weed

development, growth, and yield of eggplant. This study can be the basis for further

studies on eggplant production.

Statement of the Problem

Weeds are detrimental to plant growth and can contribute largely to losses of

farmers in crop production. Thus, this research sought to find answers on how to lessen

weed development increasing the yield of crops. The study aimed to compare the two

different plots that with and without plastic mulch for growing eggplants and the number

of weeds. Furthermore, the study attempted to identify the growth, height, species and the

number of weeds per plots.

Objectives of the Study

The general objective of this study was to determine the effects of mulch on

eggplant. Specifically, it aims:

1. To evaluate the effects of mulch on the growth, yield, and weed development on

eggplant;

2. To identify the species of weeds that are common to eggplant.

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Importance of the Study

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the most important, inexpensive and

popular vegetable crops grown and consumed in Asia. In the Philippines, eggplant

production accounts for more than 30.0% of the total volume of production of the most

important vegetables in the country. Eggplant production provides an important source of

cash income, particularly for small, resource-poor farmers.

This study can help in getting the necessary information needed to lessen the

weeds emergence that can affect growth and yield of eggplant. This study can also be

used as a reference for farmers in growing eggplant to reduce the number of weeds for

eggplant while maximizing its production.

Scope and Limitations

The study focuses only on determining the effects of mulching on the growth,

yield, and weed emergence on eggplant. Only black plastic mulch was used in the stud y.

Only four harvesting was used as the basis of gathering data.

Time and Place of the Study

The experiment was conducted at the vicinity of Salikneta Farm, De La Salle

Araneta University- Agrivet Sciences Institutes, Upper Ciudad Real, City of San Jose Del

Monte Bulacan, Philippines in the months of October 2018 to January 2019.

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CHAPTER II

METHODOLOGY

Treatments Used

The following treatments were used in the study:

Control- Non-mulched

Treatment 1-Black plastic mulch

Location of the Study

The study was conducted from October 15, 2018 to January 19, 2019 at the

experimental area of Salikneta Farm, De La Salle Araneta University – Agrivet Sciences

Institute, Upper Ciudad Real, City of San Jose Del Monte Bulacan.

Land Preparation

An area of 1 x 5 m was used in the study. The plots were further divided into three

parts for replicates measuring 1 x 1m. The area was plowed to pulverize the soil using

hoe and harrowed with a rake to level the soil and making sure there were no weeds

present in the plots.

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Mulching
Black plastic mulch was used as a mulching material in Treatment 1 only.

Mulching was done after land preparation. Black plastic mulch was used for T1 and Non-

mulch was set as Control. After covering the T1 with black plastic mulch, making holes

on the plastics were done using the circumference of stick-o jar and cut the mulch using

scissors with a distance of 50cm by 50cm per hole.

Transplanting

After five weeks of sowing the eggplant seeds were ready to be transplanted into

the experimental plots. Before pulling out the seedlings from the seed tray, plots are

already prepared to transplant the eggplant and to remove the seedlings easily. In each

plot, there were fourteen eggplants with a plant distance of 50cm by 50cm. Pointed

bamboo sticks were used to transplant the seedlings into the soil.

Water Management

Watering of new transferred planted seedlings was performed through the root

and leaves irrigation using by water sprinkler carefully. This was done to provide

moisture to the organic growing media and to facilitate its establishment. Succeeding

watering was done every other day between 7: 00 – 8:00 AM or 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

However, plants watered once a day during sunny days and no watering was done when

there is sufficient rainfall in the farm.

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Weed Management
Hand weeding was done every once a month to remove and identify weed species

and density. This was done to maintain the sanitation of the area and to avoid losses

causes by insects’ attacks that depends on weeds as habitat.

Pest Management
Manual checking of the plants for pest occurrence was done every day. When

more than 20 % of the plants were affected of flea beetle (alticini) spraying of insecticide

(Actara), following the recommended rate of 5 tbsp. /16 L of water was done.

Nutrient Management
After transplanting the researchers applied vermicompost as a fertilizer. For the

T1, the researchers added 5 kgs of vermicompost during planting and 5kgs after 20 days

the same in Control. Diluted Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ) from madre de cacao and

banana bracts were also used at a rate of 1 liter per plot every other day by soil drenching

and foliar application.

Harvesting

Mature fruits which are shiny and still soft were harvested. More frequent

harvesting can reduce damage from fruit borers. Harvesting of all fruits including

deformed and damaged ones were done to prevent spread of pest and diseases.

Harvesting was done every week for a total of four consecutive harvesting.
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Data Gathered
1. Height of Weeds (cm)

Weed height was acquired by measuring the randomly selected 10 samples

weeds to represent each replicate. Measuring the height was done from base of the weed

up to the tip of the longest leaves by means of foot rule.

2. Fruit Length (cm)

Fruit length was acquired by measuring 5 fruits per replicate for treatments and 5

fruits per replicate for control. Measuring the individual fruit was done from the base of

the fruit up to the tip of the fruit using a foot rule

3. Weed Density

The weed density was acquired by counting how many weeds sprouted after a

month for three months.

4. Weed Species

This was done by identifying all the weeds grown in the plots by comparing the

weeds with photographs and written descriptions of similar-looking weeds using a

manual on weeds.
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5. Total Yield (kg)

Total yield was obtained by weighing all the fruits harvested for four harvestings

using an electronic weighing scale.

6. Marketable Yield (kg)

Marketable fruits were obtained by weighing all the fruits that has no defects

(color, shape) and undamaged.

7. Non-marketable Yield (kg)

Non-marketable yield was obtained by weighing all the eggplants that has

damaged and defects (color, shape).

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CHAPTER 3

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Height of Weeds

The following observations were made as the result of the experiment conducted

to determine the effects of black plastic mulch as mulching material on eggplant.

Monitoring and assessment on height of weeds was done one month after

transplanting of eggplant and in every ten days measuring weeds using a foot rule (cm).

Presented in table 1 is the analyzed data of the height of weeds.

Table 1. Height of Weeds (cm)

Replication
Treatments I II III Total Mean
Control -Non-mulched 25.8 29 30.1 84.9 28.3
T1 -Black plastic mulch 14.4 15.5 15.4 45.3 15.1

It can be observed from the table above that the plot with black plastic mulch

obtained a lower height of 15.1 cm compared to non- mulched plot which obtained 28.3

cm.
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Fruit length

Measuring the fruit length of eggplant was done every after harvesting using a

foot rule (cm).

Presented in table 2 is the analyzed data of the fruit length.

Table 2. Fruit Length (cm)

Replication
Treatments I II III Total Mean

Control -Non-mulched 5.52 4 4 13.52 4.51

T1 -Black plastic mulch 9.06 11 13.8 33.86 11.29

Longer fruit length of eggplant was obtained from plot with black plastic mulch

compared to the plot without black plastic mulch.

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Weed Species

Monitoring and assessment of weed density and species was done once a month.

The researcher monitored and identified the species of weeds and obtained the density of

weeds every month.

Presented in Table 3 are the weed prevalent in the experimental field along with

their botanical name, common name, and life cycle.

Table 3. Weed Species

No. Botanical Name Common Name Life Cycle

1 Mimosa pudica Sensitive Plant Annual, Perennial

2 Commelina diffusa L. Rat’s Ear Annual, Perennial
3 Galinsoga parviflora Quickweed Annual
4 Arachis pintoi Yellow Peanut Plant Perennial
5 Amaranthus spinosus L. Kulitis Annual
6 Stenotaphrum secundatum St. Augustine Grass Perennial
7 Ambrosia Spp. Ragweed Annual
8 Salvia officinalis Sage Perennial
9 Bouteloua dactyloides Carabao Grass Perennial
10 Mimosa diplotricha Giant Sensitive Plant Annual
11 Amaranthus viridis. L. Slender Amaranth Annual

This was done by identifying 11 kinds of weeds grown in the plots by comparing

the weeds with photographs and written descriptions of similar- looking weeds using a

manual on weeds.
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Weed Density m2

Measuring and counting the density of weeds was done once a month. Presented

in table 4 is the analyzed data of the weed density.

Table 4. Weed Density (m2 )

Replication
TOTAL MEAN
I II III

323 188 262 773 257

Control-Non-Mulch
28 15 36 79 26
T1-Black Plastic Mulch

Plot with black plastic mulch obtained lower weed density compared to control.

Obviously plot without mulch obtained the higher density of weeds.

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Total Yield
Presented in Table 5 is analyzed data of total yield of marketable and non-

marketable fruit.

Table 5. Total Yield (kg)

Harvesting

Treatments 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total Mean

Control -Non-mulched 1.68 1.58 1.48 0.44 5.18 1.3

T1- Black plastic
mulch 1.27 1.36 1.81 0.82 5.26 1.4

Plot with black plastic mulch obtained higher yield compared to the plot without

black plastic mulch. Obviously, the plot without mulch obtained the smaller number of

yields.

The heavy rain is one of the factors that affect the production of this research

because based on the result in 4th harvesting the production of eggplant is low.
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Marketable Yield (kg)

Monitoring and assessment of marketable yield was done every harvesting.

Presented in Table 6 is analyzed data of marketable yield.

Table 6. Marketable Yield (kg)

Harvesting

Treatments 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total Mean

Control- non-mulched 0.85 0.83 0.73 0.14 2.55 0.64

T1 -black plastic mulch 0.87 0.95 0.95 0.7 3.47 0.87

The highest number of marketable yields was obtained from plot with black

plastic mulch compared to the plot without plastic mulch. Likewise, the heaviest weight

of undamaged fruit was obtained from plot with black plastic mulch compared to the plot

without plastic mulch. (Table 6).

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Non-Marketable Yield
Monitoring of non- marketable fruits was done by visual counting after

harvesting of fruits. Presented in Table 7 is analyzed data of non-marketable yield.

Table 7. Non-Marketable Yield (kg)

Harvesting

Treatments 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Total Mean

Control -non-mulched 0.83 0.75 0.75 0.3 2.63 0.66

T1 -black plastic mulch 0.4 0.41 0.86 0.12 1.79 0.45

Lower number of damaged fruits was obtained from plots with black plastic

mulch compared to plot without mulch. The weight of damaged fruit gathered from plot

with black plastic mulch was lower compared to plot without mulch.
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CHAPTER IV

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION

Summary

The study was to determine the effect of mulching to the growth of plants, weed

management and yield of eggplants. Based on the observation, the plants in plot with

mulch are taller than plants in plot witho ut mulch, likewise in weed emergence the

researchers observed that the plot with plastic mulch have less weeds than plot

without plastic mulch, so mulching has positive effects on eggplants because it lowers

the density of weeds, thus increasing the vigor of plants due to less competition on

nutrients.

Conclusion

Based on the results obtained in the study, the researchers concluded that:

a. The Treatment with the Black plastic mulch was effective as a mulching material for

growing eggplant. It controls weed development contributing to attain the potential

yield of eggplant.

b. The fruits of Treatment with Black plastic mulch were obtained higher and desirable

yield compared to the plot without black plastic mulch.

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Recommendations

The Study on Determining the Effects of Mulch on Weed Emergence, Growth,

and Yield of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) made by the researchers is still open for

improvements. The proponents would like to recommend further modifications on the

following.

1. Use of other mulching materials such as barks, leaves, sawdust and rice hull.

2. As much as possible, conduct this study on warm season.

3. Use of other test plants such as tomatoes and cucumber, especially for fruit

vegetables.

4. Since only seven kinds of data were gathered, include the data in gathering the

N, P, K and pH test.
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REVIEW OF RELATED STUDIES

Effect of Mulch on Crops

“Effect of Rice Straw Mulch and Frequency of Handweeding on the Growth

and Yield of Batanes Onion” is one of the related projects in this study. The study was

conducted to determine the effect of rice straw mulch and frequency of hand weeding on

the growth and yield of Batanes Onion. The main treatments used were: A (Mulched), A2

(Unmulched) while the different sub treatments were the following: B1 (unweeded), B2

(every two weeks), B3 (every three weeks) B4 (every four weeks) and B5 (every five

weeks).

Results of this study showed that plants treated with rice straw mulch gave

significant differences in growth, height, diameter of the bulbs and yield. However, B 2

(plot weeded every two weeks interval) gave the highest significant difference on yield

among the different treatments. (Thomas, A. R. 1972)

“Evaluation of the Need for Mulching, Weed and Insect Control on Bulb

Onion” is another related experiment in this study. This study was conducted to

determine the influence of mulch, weedicide and insecticide as well as their interaction

on the growth and development of onion plants.

The treatments used were as follows: Main Plot: unmulched, mulched with rice

hull and mulched with rice straw. Subplot: unweeded, handweeded and use of herbicide.

Subplot: Insecticide, Dursban 158EC, Parapest.

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Results indicated that mulching influenced the growth. It was noted that mulch

plants grew better than the unmulched plants. As to bulb formation, the combined

influence of mulch and herbicide apparently gave excellent flavor the normal growth and

developments of the plants. It was observed that plants treated with herbicide and an

addition of mulched produced significantly heavier bulbs than unweeded unmulched

plants. The excellent growth and development of the plants could be attributed to the

retentivity of moisture and the absence of weeds.

Weeds compete with the plants in the absorption of nutrients and water; reduce

light intensity reaching the leaves impairing plant growth and development.

(Chullakaset, V. 1972)

Another related project in this study is the “Dried Papaya Leaves as Organic

Mulch for Tomato Plants”. Mulching in agriculture provides a safe yet equally

profitable method of enriching and fertilizing the soil planted with crops. Most often-used

mulches are the organic composition, such as drying leaves and barks. Unlike synthetic

fertilizers and herbicides, these organic mulches pose no or little damage to the soil and

crops.

In this study, effectiveness of dried papaya leaves as organic mulch for tomato

was tested. Papaya mulches in different thickness were applied on plots planted with

tomato in three replications. After the determined of mulch application, the researchers

measured the height increases of tomato plants and the weed density in the plots.
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It was concluded that papaya mulch is significantly promoted height increases of tomato

plants and inhibited the growth of weeds. The best mulch was three inches in thickness.

(Acayen, M. T. C. 2005-2006)

The standard supermarket eggplant, globes vary greatly in size and regularity of

shape. They may be perfectly pear shaped or quite lopsided but are always a deep purple

color. The photo specimen was 8 inches long, and weighed(g) small is 50 – 100, medium

is 101 – 200, large is greater than 200, about an average weight and length of eggplant.

(William E. S. 2003)
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LITERATURE CITED

ACAYEN, M. T. C. (2005-2006). Dried Papaya Leaves as Organic Mulch for Tomato

Plants. Bato Balani, 25(1), 16-18.

CHULLAKASET, V. 1972. “Evaluation of the need for mulching weed and insect
control on the bulb Onion,” Unpublished Undergraduate Thesis. Central Luzon
State University.

EAST-WEST-SEED PHILIPPINES. (N.D.). Domino Eggplant. Retrieved 2005, from

http://www.eastwestseed.com/images/productcat_PH.html

Insect Pest Management. Http://www.avrdc.org/LC/eggplant/eprodution/12i.htm

Larson, L. (2010). Evaluation of Mulching in Organically Grown Black Currant (Ribes)

in terms of its Effect on the Crop and the Environment: Organic Agriculture
Centre of Canada (OACC). Retrieved 2010, from
http://www.organicagcentre.ca/ResearchDatabase/res_mulch_blackcurrant.asp

MULCHING. 1979. United States. Rodale Press Incorporation.

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE. (2000). Straw Mulching.

Retrieved August 2000, from http://74.6.116.140/search/srpcache?ei=UTF8&p
=mulching+using+rice+straw&rd=r1&meta=vc%3Dph&fr=yfp 955&fp _ip= ph&
u= http://cc.bingj.com/ cache. aspx? q=mulching+using+rice+straw&d=
4821551881848471&mkt=en-US& setlang=en US&w=f994ad3b,34aadcf&icp
1&. intl=us&sig= lD80crvknL_ balvhQdgjVA--

PREMIER STAR COMPANY. (N.D.). The Gardeners Network: how to grow

eggplant. Retrieved 1999-2005, from
http://www.gardenersnet.com/vegetable/eggplant.htm

THOMAS, A. R. 1972. “Effect of rice straw mulch and frequency offhand weeding on
the growth and yield of Batanes onion,” Unpublished Undergraduate Thesis.
Central Luzon State University.

WEBSTER'S NEW DICTIONARY (11TH ED.). (1997). United States of America:

American BookWorks Corporation Production.

WEBSTER'S THIRD NEW INTERNATIONAL DICTIONARY (5TH ED.). (1986).

United States of America: American BookWorks Corporation Production.
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APPENDICES

Appendix Figure 1. Land Preparation

Appendix Figure 2. Mulching

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Appendix Figure 3. Nutrients Management

Appendix Figure 4. Pest Management

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Appendix Figure 5. Weed Management

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Appendix Figure 6. Water Management

Appendix Figure 7. Transplanting

Appendix Figure 8. Harvesting

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Appendix Figure 9. Weed Species

Quick weed Rats ear

Yellow Peanut Plant Sage

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St. Augustine Grass Sensitive Plant

Kulitis Carabao Grass

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Ragweed Giant Sensitive Plant

Slender Amaranth