Y3 Module5

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Department of Education
COMPETENCY-BASED
PUBLIC TECHNICAL-VOCATIONAL
HIGH SCHOOLS
LEARNING MATERIAL
GRADE NINE
HORTICULTURE NC II
Unit of Competency: PRODUCE VEGETABLE CROPS
Module No. 5 Module Title: MAINTAINING THE GROWTH OF
PLANTS
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MODULE V
QUALIFICATION TITLE : HORTICULTURE NC II

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PRODUCE VEGETABLE
CROPS
MODULE TITLE : MAINTAINING THE
GROWTH OF
PLANTS
NOMINAL DURATION : 37 HOURS
WHAT IS THIS MODULE ABOUT?
This module covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes in applying

the kind and rate of fertilizer, irrigation and drainage practices, control of
insect pests and diseases, weeding and cultivation, and mulching.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
Upon completion of the module, you should be able to:

1. apply the recommended kind and rate of fertilizer needed by
vegetable crops;
2. perform irrigation and drainage practices;
3. control insect pests and diseases;
4. perform weed and cultivation; and
5. practice mulching
HOW MUCH DO YOU ALREADY KNOW?
Let’s find out how much you already know about the module.
Direction:
Read and understand the questions carefully and select the best answer
by writing the LETTER in your test notebook.
1. We can say that the soil is fertile if:

a. it contains most of the essential elements needed for plant
growth.
b. it can produce maximum yield of crops.
c. it is black.
d. it is porous.
2. It refers to the necessary materials which a plant can build new

tissues and at the same time carry on its normal functions.
a. lime c. plant food
b. inoculants d. pesticide
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3. Any organic and inorganic material that supports plant growth and
development is--------------.
a. biofertilizer c. fertilizer
b. commercial fertilizer d. organic fertilizer
4. Which of the following does NOT belong to the group?

a. calcium c. phosphorus
b. nitrogen d. potassium
5. Which one is the primary function of nitrogen?

a. Aids in seed formation
b. Forms and transfers starch
c. Hastens maturity
d. Gives dark green color to plants
6. When the fertilizers are applied in scattered manner over the

surface of the land, the method of fertilization is------------------------.
a. side dressing
b. broadcasting
c. foliar application
d. band or row or localized placements
7. Which of the following is NOT a method of determining soil fertility?

a. soil analysis
b. field fertilizer trials
c. nutrient deficiency symptom
d. foliar application of fertilizer
8. In order to conserve soil fertility, the following methods should be

practiced EXCEPT
a. application of organic fertilizer
b. practice of broadcasting and side dressing of fertilizer
c. practice of green manuring
d. practice of composting, mulching and cover cropping
9. The supply of water to the soil by any other means than rainfall is
a. duty of water c. fertilization
b. drainage d. irrigation
10. The water is applied above the ground, either in furrows or by

spreading it over the land being irrigated is called
a. sub-irrigation c. over head or spray irrigation
b. surface irrigation d. watering by hand
11. This method of irrigation is used to apply water with the use of
sprinklers to irrigate crops grown in a small piece of land like
school and home gardens.
a. irrigation by hand c. irrigation by windmill
b. irrigation by gravity d. irrigation by power machinery
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12. Which of the following benefits is NOT derived from irrigation?
a. Assures crop against drought
b. Improves soil aeration
c. Enables the growing of quick maturing crop
d. Increases quality and yield of crops
13. In order to save irrigation water, you should practice the following
EXCEPT:
a. avoiding over irrigation.
b. practicing wild flooding
c. practicing lining of canals properly with a clay puddle.
d. planting the field with uniform or properly graded surface.
14. The process of removing excess water from the soil in order to
increase its productivity is---------------.
a. fertigation c. irrigation
b. drainage d. none of these
15. These are wild or cultivated plants that grow in a place where they
are not wanted.
a. broadleaf weeds c. sedges
b. grasses d. weeds
16. Which of the following is not a good reason for removing or

controlling the weeds?
a. weeds cause a decrease in crop production
b. weeds increase labor cost and cost of production.
c. weeds increase land value.
d. weeds harbor plant pests which may affect plant growth and
yield.
17. Which of the following is NOT a mechanical method of controlling

weeds.
a. burning c. cover cropping
b. cutting d. uprooting the weeds.
18. Which of these methods of controlling weeds is NOT

environmentally friendly?
a. biological c. mechanical
b. cropping and competition d. chemical
19. Which is NOT true about cultivation?

a. It conserves soil moisture. c. It improves aeration of the soil.
b. It destroys weeds. d. It decreases crop yield.
20. The best time to cultivate is-----------------.

a. after planting and before the crop covers the ground.
b. after watering or irrigating
c. after draining the field
d. all of these.
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LESSON 1
APPLY THE RECOMMENDED KIND AND RATE OF FERTILIZER
WHAT IS THIS LESSON ABOUT?
This lesson deals on the study of the kinds of fertilizer, its sources,
functions, methods of fertilizer application, methods on how to improve
the fertility of the soil and composting.
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. determine the macro and micro elements of the soil and their
functions;
2. identify the sources, kinds and the importance of fertilizers;
3. know the methods of determining and conserving soil fertility;
4. perform the methods of applying fertilizers;
5. perform composting; and
6. recognize proper nutrition in plants
LET US STUDY
Let us Define
Fertilizer – any material used to add to the fertility of the soil in order to
increase the growth or yield of crops.
Fertilizing or fertilization – the practice of applying fertilizers to crops
through the soil or to the leaves of the plants.
Fertile soil – one that contains most of the essential elements needed for
plant growth.
Soil productivity – the ability produce more than a sufficient quantity of
agricultural crops.
Soil fertility – the richness of soil in terms of organic and inorganic plant
foods which plants can use for growth and production.
Liming – the application of calcium or magnesium containing compounds
to the soil to neutralize acidity.
Plant food – the necessary materials from which a plant can build new
tissues and at the same time carry on its normal functions.
Leaching – the loss of soluble substances in water that drains down to
the lower depths of the soil beyond the reach of the roots
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Fertilizers are chemical compounds containing one or more of the
important nutritive elements which plants need for their growth and
development.
Plants have three sources from which they get their necessary
nutrients.
1. Air. The air contains carbon dioxide (carbon combined with oxygen).
Carbon dioxide provides source of carbon and oxygen for growing
crops. In turn when plants residues decay, carbon dioxide is again
released into the air.
The air around us is composed largely of nitrogen, a very inert gas.
Although nitrogen is needed in large amounts by plants, nitrogen from
the air cannot be used by the growing plant. Through legumes, the
bacteria in their nodules which develop in their roots as a result of
inoculation, can fix and utilize nitrogen from the atmosphere.
2. Water. Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen; thus, it provides
plants with these elements.
3. Soil. All other plant food elements in the soil are therefore very
important.
The plant food elements
The primary plant food elements

Chemical symbol
 Nitrogen . . . .. . . . . . . . .N
 Phosphorus . . . . . . . . . .P
 Potassium . . . . . . . . . . . K
The secondary plant food elements

 Calcium . . . . . . . . . . . . Ca
 Magnesium . . . . . . . . . Mg
 Sulfur . . . . . . . . . . . . . S
Elements from air and water

 Carbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . C
 Hydrogen . . . . . . . . . . . H
 Oxygen . . . . . . . . . . . . . O
The trace elements

 Manganese . . . . . . . . . . Mn
 Boron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B
 Copper . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cu
 Zinc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zn
 Iron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fe
 Molybdenum . . . . . . . . Mo
 Chlorine . . . . . . . . . . . Cl
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The plant food elements and their functions
Nutrient Functions Symptoms of Deficiency

Nitrogen  Gives dark  Sticky yellowish
green color to plants. green color
 Promotes leaf,  Distinctly slow
stem, fruit and seed and dwarfed growth
growth.  Drying up or
 Improves firing of leaves from bottom
quality of leaf crops. of the plants proceeding
 Facilitates upward
rapid growth
 Increases
protein content of food
and leaf crops.
 Feeds soil
micro-organisms during
their decompositions of
low nitrogen organic
materials.
Phosphorus  Stimulates  Purplish leaves,
early root formation and stems and branches
growth.  Slow growth and
 Gives rapid maturity
and vigorous start to  Small slender
plants. stalk in case of corn
 Hastens  Lack of stooling
maturity. in small grains
 Stimulates  Low yields of
blooming. grain, fruit and seed
 Aids in seed
formation.
 Gives plants
hardiness.
Potassium  Imparts vigor  Mottling,
and disease resistance to spotting, streaking or
plants. curling of leaves, starting
 Produces from the lower level
strong, stiff stalks, thus  Scorched or
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reduces lodging. burned margin of the
 Increases leaves
plumpness of the grains  Drooping of the
and seeds. corn plant falls down prior
 Helps in the to maturity due to poor
formation and transfer of root development
starch, sugar and oil.
 Imparts
hardness to legumes.
Kinds of Fertilizers
1. Organic fertilizers are farm manures, compost, crop residues, and

other farm wastes which supply nutrients and improve soil
physical conditions. Organic fertilizers are added to the soil in large
amounts to meet nutrient demands of crops. The use of organic
fertilizers is a vital component of integrated nutrient cycling
systems.
2. Inorganic fertilizers usually result from chemical processes such as
sulfuric acid treatment or rock phosphate to produce
superphosphate. It consists of materials processed or transformed
into a chemical material or fertilizer.
Inorganic fertilizers are artificially prepared or those that may be

obtained from the market. Commercial fertilizers could be:
 Single element fertilizer which contains only one of the

major fertilizer elements.
Examples: Ammonium sulfate, urea, superphosphate
 Incomplete fertilizer contains only two major elements like
ammophos (nitrogen and phosphorus)
 Complete fertilizers contain the three primary plant food
elements: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
Nutrient Content of Fertilizers

Fertilizers being sold in the market must carry a guarantee of the
kind and amount of nutrients they contain. The information is printed
on the fertilizer bags or packages. The guaranteed analysis of a fertilizer
material expressed in percent following the order: total N, citrate-soluble
phosphoric acid (P2O5) and water-soluble potash (K2O) is called fertilizer
grade. Customarily, the P and K contents are expressed as oxides of the
elements. Thus, a fertilizer bag with 14-14-14 analysis contains 14%
total N, 14% citrate-soluble P2O5 and 14% water-soluble K2O. The
relative proportion of the fertilizer nutrients present in a fertilizer is
expressed in terms of the fertilizer ration such as 21-0-0 for ammonium
sulfate, 45-0-0 for urea and 14-14-14 for complete.
Analysis of Common Inorganic or Commercial Fertilizers
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Material Percent
N P2O5 K2O
Anhydrous ammonia 82 0 0
Ammonium sulfate 21 0 0
Ammonium phosphate 16 20 0
Ammonium chloride 25 0 0
Urea 45 0 0
Superphosphate 0 20 0
Trial superphosphate 0 48 0
Muriate of potash 0 0 60
Sulfate of potash 0 0 50
Complete 14 14 14
Fertilizer Computation
To supply a certain amount of plant nutrients, determine the

amount of fertilizer to be applied per hectare based on the composition of
the fertilizer materials to be used. Here are some examples on how to
determine the amount of fertilizer.
Example 1
Ammonium Sulfate (AS) contains 21 percent nitrogen. This means that

100 kilograms of this nitrogen-carrying fertilizer contains 21 kilograms of
nitrogen. To calculate how much ammonium sulfate is needed to supply
120 kilograms nitrogen per hectare, we simply divide the 120 kilograms
of nitrogen needed by 21 percent which is the nitrogen content of
ammonium sulfate, and multiply the results by 100.
recommended rate
Fertilizer needed
(kg/ha) x 100
=
% nutrient of the fertilizer
120 kg N/ha
kg AS = × 100 = 570 kg AS/ha
21%
The same formula may be used with any of the materials containing
nitrogen, phosphorous, or potassium.
Example 2
If one wants to apply 80 kilograms per hectare of phosphorus as a single

superphosphate (0-20-0), the computation appears below:
80 kg P/ha
kg 0-20-0 = × 100 = 400 kg 0-20-0/ha
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Example 3
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Compute for the number of kg of muriate of potash (0-0-60) needed to
fertilize 1 hectare using 60 kg/ha recommendation.
60 kg K/ha
kg 0-0-60 = × 100 = 100 kg 0-0-60/ha
60
Example 4
How to calculate the percentage of fertilizer elements from known

amounts of fertilizer materials?
Given a quantity of fertilizer with the following composition, find

the number of kilograms of available N, P2O5 and K2O in the mixture?
 150 kg ammonium sulfate analyzing 21% N
 600 kg superphosphate analyzing 20% P2O5
 100 kg potassium chloride analyzing 60% K2O
 850 kg total weight
Solution:
To determine the analysis of a fertilizer mixture, multiply the

quantity of fertilizer by the percentage of N, P2O5 or K2O in it and divide
by 100.
weight of fertilizer × percentage of

weight of nutrient = nutrient
100
150 × 21%
kg N = = 31.5 kg of nitrogen
100
600 × 20%
kg P2O5 = = 120 kg of phosphate
100
100 × 60%
kg K2O = = 60 kg of potash
100
Example 5
How will you find the percentage of available N, P 2O5 and K2O in
the whole mixture?
Solution:
Divide the weight of each plant nutrients by the total weight of the
mixture and multiply by 100, thus:
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weight of nutrient
percentage of nutrient = × 100
total weight of fertilizers
31.5 kg N
N= × 100 = 3.7% N
850 kg total weight
120
P2O5 = × 100 = 14.1 % P2O5
850
60
K2O = × 100 = 7.0% K2O
850
This could be summarized as: Grade = 3.7-14.1-7.0
Example 6
How to calculate the amounts of fertilizer materials to make up a

fertilizer mixture of certain percentage of fertilizer elements.
Given the following fertilizer materials with their corresponding

available nutrients. How will you find the amount each of the plant
nutrients is needed in making 2,000 kg of a fertilizer with grade of 12-24-
12?
 Urea analyzing 45% N
 Triple superphosphate analyzing 50% P2O5
 Muriate of potash analyzing 60% K2O
Solution:
2,000 x .12 = 240 kg on N needed

2,000 x .24 = 480 kg of P2O5 needed
2,000 x .12 = 240 kg of K2O needed
How will you find the number of kilograms of each of the fertilizing
materials needed to make the mixture (This is the same procedure as in
examples 1 to 3)?
240 kg
N= N × 100 = 533 kg urea
45% N
480 = 960 kg triple

P2O5 = × 100
50 superphosphate
240 = 400 kg potassium

K2O = × 100
60 chloride
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Note: Since you wanted 2,000 kg of fertilizer with a grade of 12-24-12,
you must add sand or some other inert filler to make the desired weight
of which:
533 kg
urea
960 kg
triple superphosphate
400 kg
potassium chloride
107 kg
sand, or coconut shells,
etc.
2,000 kg total
Example 7
Calculate Mixed Fertilizers

Find out the number of kilograms of the separate fertilizer
materials needed for the preparation of one metric ton (1,000 kg) of
mixed fertilizer of 5-8-12 grade using ammonium sulfate (20% N),
calcium superphosphate (16% P2O5) and muriate of potash (60% K2O )
Work out the quantities of the individual fertilizers required for 100
kg of 5-8-12 fertilizer mixture, i.e., to contain 5% N, 8% P2O5 and 12%
K2O. Then multiply these figures by 100 to obtain the total requirement
of fertilizers for 1,00 kg of the mixture.
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For N = × 100 = 25 kg ammonium sulfate
20
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P2O5 = × 100 = 50 kg calcium superphosphate
16
12
K2O = × 100 = 20 kg muriate of potash
60
95 kg of straight fertilizers
+ 5 kg of filler
100 kg of mixed fertilizer
In preparing 1,000 kg of a fertilizer mixture of the 5-8-12 grade,

250 kg of ammonium sulfate, 500 kg of calcium superphosphate, 200 kg
of muriate of potash and 50 kg of the filler is needed.
Methods of fertilizer application
As a general rule, a fertilizer material should be placed in the soil

in such a way that the plant can absorb of it. This involves not only
different zones of placement but also the time with respect to the age of
the plant the fertilizer is to be applied.
1. Broadcasting – It is a method where in fertilizer is applied over the

surface of the land. It may not be harrowed, plowed or disked into
the soil. This method is usually practiced in rice field, pastures and
lawns.
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2. Side dressing – Fertilizer material is placed in or in between the
rows of crops like vegetables or corn or placing around the plant or
trees. On row crops, side dressing may be done simultaneously with
cultivation. The purpose of side dressing is to ensure availability of
plant food nutrients, particularly nitrogen during the critical growth
periods when plants are taking up nutrients rapidly.
3. Band or row or localized placements – Fertilizer material is
applied in bands to one or both sides of the seed or plant. On row
crops, the fertilizer is placed in bands or strips on one or both sides
of the row, about 2 inches away from and below the seeds.
4. Foliar application – This involves dissolving the fertilizer materials
in water and then applying it as spray to the plant.
5. Applied with the seed – Fertilizer is broadcast together with the
seeds or to seeds are coated with fertilizer by means of an adhesive
such as cellofas or gum Arabic.
6. Fertigation – Applying the fertilizer with water in the soil.
Methods of determining soil fertility
1. Field fertilizer trials. As the term implies, field fertilizer trial

experiment is carried out in the field. It could be conducted in
different places under different seasons. When managed and
conducted properly, the results obtained from this method are very
reliable.
2. Soil analysis. It is a rapid method of assessing the fertilizer needs of
crops. The principle involved is that the amount of available nutrients
in the soil are directly related up to a critical point with the growth
and yield of crop.
Soil analysis consists of four phases namely:
1. proper collection of soil samples
2. chemical analysis
3. interpretation of analytical results
4. formulation of fertilizer recommendation
3. Plant tissue analysis. This is customarily made of fresh plant tissue
in the field. It is a quick way test and is important in the diagnosis of
the needs of growing plants. Sap from ruptured cells is tested for
assimilated N-P-K. Test for other elements such as Mg and Mn are
also done. The concentration of the nutrients in the cell sap is
usually a good indication of how well the plant is supplied at the time
of testing.
4. Nutrient deficiency symptom. An abnormal appearance of the
growing plant may be caused by a deficiency of one or more nutrient
elements. This visual method of evaluating soil fertility is unique and
it requires no expensive equipment. It can also be used as a
supplement to other diagnostic techniques.
Loss of nutrients from the soil

The fertility of the soil is not lasting. It is usually lost through
mismanagement by farmers who work in the land. There are many ways
in which soil fertility is depleted.
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 Loss through the crops. Plants utilize large quantities of nutrients
from the soil for their growth. The plants having reached their
maturity are harvested and sold. Thus, the organic and the
minerals that composed the harvested crops are taken away from
the farm. The constant removal of soil fertility through the crops
will make the soil poor. This is the reason why production will
decrease year by year if we do not fertilize our crops.
The amount of soil nutrient lost through the crops depends
on the kind of crops grown. From the standpoint crops may be
classified into three categories:
1. Heavy feeders are those crops that utilize a large quantity of all
the three essential elements or it may be a heavy feeder as
regards one element but a light feeder as regards another.
2. Medium feeders consume not much of the food elements not like
the heavy feeders.
3. Light feeders consume only little amount of the plant food
elements.
 Loss of plant food through surface run-off.
Rain water or excess irrigation water which runs off the surface of
the ground may carry not only soil particles and the food they
contain but also the plant food which get dissolved in the running
water.
 Loss of plant food through leaching. Even if
we do not plant, the minerals in the soil may be lost by leaching,
that is, the soluble substances go with the water that drains down
to the lower depths of the soil beyond the reach of roots. This is
especially true in cases of sandy soil.
 Soil erosion. This is the greatest enemy of the
farmer. Erosion is the removal of soil from the field through natural
forces.
Methods of conserving soil fertility

 Application of commercial fertilizers
 Application of farm manures or organic fertilizers
 Green manuring. The practice of growing special crops like
legumes either alone or intermixed with others for the purpose of
plowing them into the soil in a green stage when they have reached
a suitable height, or before flowering.
 Cover cropping. This is the practice of growing cover crops
especially legume crops to protect the land from erosion, heat of
the sun and beat of the rain. A cover crop is a crop planted
especially in cultures of permanent crops such as coconuts, coffee,
orchard and the like mainly for protection as well as for the
enrichment of the soil.
 Mulching. This is the practice of placing mulch materials above
the soil such as straw, paper, sawdust, leaves and the like to
protect the roots of plants from excessive heat and cold or from
drought. This practice also controls the growth of weeds. When the
organic mulch decompose, they will turn into organic fertilizer.
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Compost and composting
Compost is a mixture of decayed organic materials decomposed by
micro-organisms in a warm, moist, and aerobic environment, (oxygen
breathing) releasing nutrients into readily available forms for plant use.
Why use compost?

 There is a need for sustainable production
through integrated nutrient management.
 Compost produces less methane than not
decomposed rice straw when incorporated in the soil.
 It solves problem on declining yield.
 It also corrects micronutrient problems like
zinc deficiency.
What is composting?
Composting is the controlled decay of plant and animal to produce

compost, a dark, rich soil-like material. Compost is added to the soil to
improve its structure and nutrient content.
Students of the Jones Rural School performing composting during their TVE
class.
In nature, bacteria, fungi, worms, and other soil organisms help in
breaking down dead plants and animals, as well as animal wastes. The
decomposed organic material becomes part of the soil. This natural decay
usually takes place very slowly. To speed up the process, composters
create ideal growing conditions for compost organisms.
What do compost organisms need?
1. Balanced diet of compost materials compose

 “Browns”
Browns are compost materials that are brown and dry.
Examples of which are sawdust, dried leaves, straw and small
twigs and others. “Browns” are high in carbon, which for
microbes are energy food.
 “Greens”
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Greens are compost materials that are green and moist like
kitchen wastes, grass cuttings and the like. “Greens” are high in
nitrogen, which microbes need to make proteins
If you add about 3 parts of browns to 1 part of greens, then
the compost organisms will have a balanced diet.
2. Right amount of air and water

If there’s a right amount of oxygen and moisture, microbes
can rapidly grow and multiply. Too much or too little of water, the
microbes die.
Compost materials should have a thin film of water around
them, and lots of pore spaces filled with air.
3. Right temperature
Organic materials will eventually decay even in a cold
compost pile. But the decay process is sped up in a hot compost
pile. When bacteria and fungi grow rapidly, they burn a lot of food,
and give off a lot of heat. If the compost pile is big enough, the heat
will build up inside the pile. Bacteria that grow well at high
temperature take over and speed up the decay process.
Three ways of making compost
1. Traditional method. This is a slow process, requiring 3-4 months

before farm wastes are fully decomposed and ready for use as
compost fertilizer. This means that the fertilizer can only be used
after one planting season. This also requires a bigger composting
area. This method involves only eight steps, that is inexpensive to
produce and requires no extensive input except labor.
2. Rapid method. With the aid of fungus activator Trichoderma
harzianum, decomposition of farm wastes is accelerated to just 3-4
weeks.
3. Bio-enriched method. Employing both fungus activator and a
nitrogen-fixing bacteria, farm wastes are first decomposed by
Trichoderma sp. for 2-3 weeks, after which the resulting compost is
inoculated with live N-fixing bacteria Azotobacter sp. Incubation for
1 week produces a nitrogen-enriched compost that can supply a
rice crop’s total N requirement, depending on the material used,
soil condition, and planting season.
Steps in making compost
A. Traditional way
1. Make the soil firm, and dig a trench around for excess water to flow
into.
2. Stack up about six (6) inches high of grass. Do not compress.
3. Put 1-2 inches thick animal manure over the grass. Urea or
ammonium sulfate of about 1-2 kilograms may also be used if
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available.
4. Put 1 inch thick of rich soil mixed with wood ashes, lime over the pile.
5. Repeat the process over the pile until about 1 ½ meters high.
6. Water the pile to make it moist.
7. Thrust a pipe(s) or bamboo pole(s) with holes to allow air to penetrate
the bottom of the pile.
8. After three weeks, turn the compost over with the aid of a garden fork.
This is easily done by transferring into another pile so that the bottom
layer will now be on top, etc.
9. Turn the compost again bottom up after 5 weeks. Wait for 4 weeks
more to allow complete composting.
10. Water the compost during hot weather; cover the compost pile with
banana leaves during rainy days.
The pile of compost will be hot. This means that the bacteria in it are
working. Composting can also be hastened with a chemical for this
purpose.
B. Making compost in 11 days
Materials
 Farm wastes: leaves, straw. hull, grasses, weeds

fresh and dry.
 Fresh animal manure: carabao, cow, horse, chicken, goat, etc.
 Kerosene can or basket
 Eight pieces posts about 2” – 3” diameter at 5” high.
 Bamboo slats
 Shovel, garden fork, bolo
Procedure in making compost pile
1. Select a shady place in your yard that is somewhat elevated and does
not lodge water.
2. Construct compost pile measuring 1 X 1.5 square meter by 1 meter
high using the 8 posts and bamboo slats to enclose the posts; allow
space for air at the bottom.
Cut 3. Cut the farm wastes about 3 to 4 inches or smaller.

4. W4. Wet these or soak in water for 5 minutes. If they are plenty, spray
wastwater on the mound
5.Mi5. Mix with equal amount of fresh animal manure; mix them well
6.St6. Stack up the enclosed place with this up to 4 feet high.
7. See if the pile is getting heated up. If not, sprinkle with

dissolved fresh manure. It is important to have this heat in 24-48
16
hours.
8. Reverse the pile; see if it is heating up. Keep it moist but not
wet. If it is not hot sprinkle with dissolved manure.
9. Reverse the pile again; see if it is heating up. Keep it moist.
10. The pile must be cooling at this point, which means the
compost is done.
11. The resulting compost is ground (pulverized). If desired, let it
stay to decompose longer because the natural bark or coating takes
a longer time to deteriorate.
Health precautions
 The decomposing compost heap can

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generate heat up to 60 C. Be careful in handling the compost while
turning. Wear protective gloves or footgear so as not to scald your
hands and feet.
 Composting materials and micro-organisms
may cause allergies, although they are non pathogenic. To avoid
inconvenience from itching, cover the nose and mouth with mask;
use long-sleeves, and wash body and hands after working on the
compost.
LET US REMEMBER
FEED THE SOIL AND LET THE SOIL FEED THE PLANT
Soil is only one of the many factors that contribute to high

productivity. Fortunately, it can be controlled by man. Maximum benefit
from sound fertility program; can be realized only if the other factors of
plant growth are favorably controlled.
A fertilizer is any organic or inorganic material of natural or

synthetic origin which is added to the soil to supply certain elements
essential to plant growth. Fertilizers are used to increase the growth rate,
yield and quality or nutritive value of plants.
Continuous cropping of the soil without replenishing the nutrients

depletes its natural resources. Every time a crop is harvested, the
elements absorbed from the soil go with it. The higher the yield of the
crop, the higher is the amount of nutrients removed from the soil.
Soil fertility can easily be remedied by fertilization and liming.
HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LEARNED?
17
A. Fill in the blanks. Fill in the blanks with the correct word or group of
words to complete the thought of the sentence: Write your answers in
your test notebook.
1. Applying the fertilizer material with water in the soil means
__________________.
2. The use of liquid form of fertilizer dissolved in water and sprayed to
the plants refers to ______________.
3. When fertilizers are placed in between rows of plants, the method
used is_______________.
4. __________ are chemicals which consist of one or more inorganic
compounds applied to the soil to improve the growth and yield of
crops.
5. The placing of fertilizer to the soil is called ________________.
B. True or False. Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if it

is wrong. Write your answer in your test notebook.
1. The soil is fertile if most of the elements are present in it.
2. Nutrients of the soil are lost by continuous cropping without
replenishing the elements used by plants.
3. Soil nutrients are not lost by soil erosion.
4. Organic fertilizer may come from plants, animals, guano and bone
meal .
5. Organic fertilizer is best used because of the benefits it can give to
the soil, plants and the environment.
LET US APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED
Prepare a compost pile with a dimension of 1 × 1.5 square meter

and 1 meter high. Make your compost in your own compost pile by
following the steps. Select what method of composting you will follow.
The teacher will observe and rate your activity.
RESOURCES
fertilizer
wood
nail
animal manure
plant residues
compost
hammer
hand trowel
sprinkler
sprayer
18
REFERENCES
Asuncion, Jr. Ramon G.; Elementary Agriculture: Saint Mary’s Publishing:

1983.
Asuncion, Jr. Ramon G.; Introduction to Tropical Crop Production: First
Edition Saint Mary’s Publishing. 1976.
Asuncion, Jr. Ramon G. and Castro, U. D.; Producing Quality Seeds the Easy
Way: Saint Mary’s Publishing: Sta Cruz, Manila. 1977.
Asuncion, Jr. Ramon. D. et.al.; Technology and Home Economics 1
Agricultural Arts: Abiva Publishing House, Inc.: Quezon City. 1991
Asuncion, Jr. Ramon D. at.al.: Technology and Home Economics 2 Agricultural
Arts: Abiva Publishing House, Inc: Quezon City. 1991
Cheah Kok Kheong, at.al.; Modern Agriculture for Tropical Schools: Oxford
University Press: 1979
Mendiola, N. B.; Principles of Crop Production. United Circulation, Inc.:
Malabon, Rizal. 1959
Resource Manual on Integrated Production and Pest Management (IPPM) in
Vegetables: World Education (INGO) Philippines, Inc.; Laguna,
Philippines: March 2005
Reyes, P. L.; “Lecture Notes on Field Crop Production” GAUF., Victoneta Park,
Malabon, Metro Manila.
Rivera, Aquilino R.; Home and School Vegetable Gardening: Grace Printing,
Inc.: Laoag City. 1988
Ware, George W. and J.P. McCollum; Producing Vegetables Crops: Second Ed.,
Interlino Printing Co., Inc.: Quezon City 1977
19
LESSON 2
PERFORM IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE PRACTICES
This lesson deals with the study of the importance of irrigation.
1. identify the importance of irrigation and drainage;

2. perform the kinds and methods of irrigation;
3. determine the causes of loss of irrigation water; and
4. develop the value of saving water through proper use of irrigation water.
20
LET US STUDY
Let us define
Irrigation – the application of water to the soil by any other means than
rainfall.
Field capacity – the amount of water held by the soil after gravitational water is
drained away.
Permanent wilting point – a level of moisture in the soil which is unavailable to
the plant.
Drainage – the removal of excess water from the soil
Evaporation – the loss of water in the soil in vapor form.
Transpiration – the loss of water from the leaves in the form of water vapor.
Seepage – the horizontal passage of water or sideward loss of water the soil.
Percolation – the vertical/downward movement and loss of water from the soil.
Benefits of irrigation
1. Irrigation is an insurance to drought.

2. It enables the growing of quick maturing crops.
3. It is a guarantee to the quick germination of seeds.
4. It is a means of securing early maturity on most crops.
5. It increases quality, attractive appearance and yield of crops.
Factors that Determine Water Deficiency for Irrigation Schedules
1. Based on soil water measurements. The level of soil water supply is

measured directly by soil sampling using the tensiometer, electrical
resistance block or gravimetry.
2. Based on evaporation rates. This needs evaporative devices. The
amount of moisture lost from the crop through transpiration is also
measured. The amount of water in the soil minus the amount
transpired, the amount to be added is the difference. This is the best
index for irrigation requirement.
3. Calculated irrigation schedules. This method necessitates knowledge
of the field capacity, permanent wilting percentage, bulk/specific gravity
and effective depth of rooting, all of which require measurement.
4. Temporary wilting. When water stress occurs in plant, cells lose
turgidity and plants show symptoms of wilting. Temporary wilting may
occur at mid-day when water demand reaches its climax, especially
during the hottest months of the year. Soil moisture may really be
adequate but transpiration may outpace water absorption. If this is,
plant will recover by evening. However, if plants wilt in the morning
21
continuously for 3-4 days, water may indeed be lacking and the crop
must be irrigated immediately
5. Color of foliage. Not all plant show temporary wilting when water is
limited. Instead, their leaves turned yellowish as in beans and in some
cases bluish green as in eggplants, as the water in the soil gets lesser
and lesser. Color is an indicator of plant variety where there is nitrogen
supply so take this into account.
6. Rate of growth of the plants. If the rate of growth of the crop is
sluggish, water may not be enough.
7. “Feel of the soil”. Get samples from a depth where most of the roots
occur and try to feel the soil. This depends on the type of the soil.
Type of Irrigation is needed
soil
Sandy Appears to be dry, but does not form a ball when
squeezed
Loam Somewhat crumbly but holds together
Clay Somewhat pliable, forms a ball, too dry to form ribbon
easily (ribbon is formed between thumb and forefinger)
8. Sand-cum-soil-mini plot technique. It involves digging thoroughly a
one cubic meter pit in one part of the field. Mix 5% sand to the soil
which has been dug and return it to the pit. Now the soil as reduced
water holding capacity. The crop including the test plot is planted as
usual. The plants in the test plot will start to wilt 2-3 days ahead of
those in the field. Irrigation must be done when wilting is observed in
the test plot.
Kinds of irrigation water
1. Surface irrigation. In this case water is applied over the surface of the
ground, either in furrows or by spreading it broadcast over the land
being irrigated. Water is conducted from the source to the points of
distribution either in open ditches or pipe lines. This kind of irrigation is
usually used in the Philippines for irrigating their rice fields.
2. Sub-irrigation. In this kind of irrigation the water is delivered to a
porous stratum of soil at proper depth. The moisture spreads to the plant
roots through this stratum.
3. Overhead or spray irrigation. In this case, water is put into the plants
in the form of very fine drops or spray or mist. In small scale, this
method is used like in nurseries where water is applied by means of
sprinklers, water hose with nozzles.
Methods of irrigation
1. Irrigation by hand. This requires hand labor. This system is used only
where a valuable crop can be grown in a small piece of land, as in school
and home gardens. Water is applied either early morning or late in the
afternoon.
22
2. Irrigation by windmill. It is used for irrigating a fruit plantation or a
truck garden. This system furnishes a very satisfactory means of
pumping water in some localities in the Philippines. It works well in
sections along the seashores. One thing which we must bear in mind is
that where windmills are depended upon as a source of water, it is
advisable to have a considerable storage capacity so that there will be a
sufficient supply of water to last through periods of drought.
3. Irrigation by power machinery. Water pumps are set in the source of
water. Water is delivered to the field through water hose.
4. Irrigation by gravity. This is the cheapest and most common method of

obtaining water for irrigation. Ditch canals are dug from the source of
water like streams or rivers going to the field thus water is taken from
the river at an outlet that can be opened and shut down.
5. Drip irrigation. Water passes to small pipes that are directed to the
garden or field of crops. The water can be controlled by closing the
source of water.
Causes of loss of irrigation water
1. Over irrigation. A farmer should not use more water than his crop
needs. The amount of water needed by crops varies with the crop, and
a farmer should ascertain what amount is for each crop and how it is
best distributed among the different times of application.
2. Poor grading of land. When a piece of land to be irrigated is not
uniformly or properly graded, as for example, when certain spots are
high while others are low, or when there is hardly any grade at all to
allow movement of water by gravity, there will be loss of water.
3. Seepage is the horizontal passage of water from irrigation canal
through the surrounding ground. Loss of water by seepage is prevented
by lining the canal properly with a clay puddle.
4. Deep percolation. Percolation is the vertical downward movement of
water. Water which sinks much deeper than the roots of the plants is
wasted water. Skillful cultivation should prevent much loss of water
due to deep percolation.
5. Run-off at the ends of fields or furrows. To avoid waste of water in
the form of run offs, it is necessary to supervise carefully the irrigation
work so that only enough water is allowed to flow in the irrigation
furrows.
6. Direct evaporation. This refers to the loss of water from plant parts,
soil surface and even from bodies of water with the aid of sunlight.
23
Below is an example of irrigation by gravity
Drainage
Drainage is defined as the process of removing water from the soil in

order to increase its productivity.
Benefits derived from drainage
1. It improves the tilth of the soil.

2. It leads to the improvement of soil aeration.
3. It improves the temperature condition of the soil.
4. It increases availability of plant food.
5. It encourages multiplication and development of useful organisms in
the soil.
6. It increases benefits obtained from the use of fertilizers.
Systems of drainage
1. Surface drainage, also called open drainage

2. Under-surface drainage
3. Combination of surface and under surface drainage
4. Vertical drainage – the water runs more or less vertically
through the soil into a porous bed of sand or gravel beneath.
LET US REMEMBER
Vegetables, being succulent products by definition, are generally more

than 90% water. Thus, water determines the weight and yield of vegetables.
The quality of vegetable products may be traced directly or indirectly to
mismanagement of water supply in the production field.
24
A good proportion of investment in vegetable growing is allocated for water
management, whether or not it is in a traditional farm where water is applied
by manual labor or in an automated drip-irrigation system. Unlike field crops
that can be grown under rain fed condition, vegetables with few exceptions are
always irrigated, at least partially. It is every grower’s utmost concern to use
irrigation water in the most efficient way. It is equally important to provide
adequate drainage facilities in the field because most vegetables cannot tolerate
prolonged waterlogged conditions.
In the previous lesson, you were required to prepare garden plots,

perform direct planting and transplanting of vegetable crops. In order that your
plants will maintain their growth, you have to fertilize and water them following
the recommended rate and method of applying the fertilizer and watering
schedules. In this connection, make a diary of activities to where you are going
to list down your farm activities. You can follow the format and example below.
If you wish to improve it, you may do so. Prepare your record for the teacher to
check.
Activities Date Expenditures Remarks

1. June 15, 2008 1 kg urea (P25.00) 1 garden finished
fertilizing
2. watering
Fill in the blanks with a word or group of words to complete the

sentence.
1. The application of water to the soil by any other means than rainfall is
__________
2. The opposite of irrigation is __________ which is the removal of excess
water from the field.
3. The method of irrigating a small piece of land like backyard and school
gardens is the __________
4. The cheapest and most common method of irrigating the field where a
ditch canal is dug from the source (stream or river) going to the field is
called __________.
5. When irrigation water is supplied to the field with the use of engines
(water pump) to irrigate the field, the method used is called __________
25
RESOURCES
sprinkler
pail and dipper
water pump
shovel
spade
crowbar
water hose/irrigation hose
REFERENCES

1983.
26
LESSON 3
PRACTICE WEEDING AND CULTIVATION
This lesson deals with weeding and cultivation. It includes the

importance of weeding and cultivating, the tools used, and the methods
employed in these farm operations to maintain the growth of plants.
1. recognize the importance of weeding and cultivating;

2. identify the types of weeds and the methods of controlling them;
3. perform weeding and cultivating using appropriate tools and implements;
and
4. recognize the value of cleanliness and sanitation.
27
LET US STUDY
Let us define
Weeds – plants, whether wild or cultivated which are growing in a place where
they are not wanted
Weeding – removing the weeds which a crop grower has to do repeatedly after
planting and before harvesting his crop
Cultivation – the process of loosening or breaking up the soil about growing
crops or plants in order to maintain it in condition favorable for their
growth
Soil tilth – the coarseness or fineness of the soil
Hilling up – a kind of cultivation by bringing the soil towards the base of the
plant to cover fertilizer and control weeds
Man’s attitude toward the so-called weeds is more or less the same as his
attitude towards so-called harmful insects.
Weed control is killing or limiting the growth of plants in places where

they are not wanted, usually for economic, health, or aesthetic reasons. Weeds
play an important role in nature by rebuilding soil that has been disturbed by
bulldozers, fire, or flood, but in many areas weeds compete with more desirable
plants for available light, water, and nutrients. Weeds are exceptionally tough
plants and are able to reproduce aggressively. They often produce great
quantities of seed, for example, or disperse seed over a large area. Or they may
quickly reproduce by sending out far-reaching stems above or below ground,
from which new weeds can sprout. As a result, they may quickly outnumber
other desired plants in an area.
Uncontrolled weed growth gives a variety of problems. On farms, weeds

significantly reduce the harvest, or yield, of a crop by depriving the plants of
light, moisture, and nutrients. Weed seeds mixed with grain, reduce the quality
of grain, and the presence of weeds in hay decreases its value. Weeds also
reduce yields by harboring insects and diseases that attack crops.
Why should we control weeds?
 Weeds cause decrease in crop production because they compete for

nutrients, moisture, light and space.
 Weeds increase labor and of production cost.
 Some weeds harbor plant pests which may affect plant growth and
yield.
 Weeds clog irrigation and drainage canals or ditches hampering flow of
water resulting to overflow and waste of water resources.
 Some weeds are injurious to man and animals.
28
 Weeds lower land value.
 Root of weeds interlace with roots of plants which makes cultivation
and weeding difficult.
 Weeds cause the wear and tear of farm implements or equipment.
Principles of weed control
To control weeds successfully, understand thoroughly their nature, life

history, habit of growth and their methods of natural reproduction.
 It is necessary to know if a weed is terrestrial or aquatic.

 It is necessary to know whether weeds are resistant to drought or to
water lodging or easily affected by these conditions.
 It is important to know if its method of reproduction is by seeds, by
underground vegetative parts, or both.
Types of weeds
I. Grasses. Grasses are monocotyledonous plants which have long, narrow,

two-ranked, usually flat leaves with parallel veins and round, hallow
stems. The common examples of grassy weeds are:
1. Echinochloa crusgali (L. Beauv.)

Local names:
Philippine Dayakibok
s
Tagalog Dauadaua
Bicol Lagtom
Japan Inubie
2. Echinocloa colunum
Local names:
Philippine Bulang tiribuhan
s
Tagalog Bulang tiribuhan
Ilocano Dalakayang, Dakayan
Thailand Thai-Yak Nok Sri
Champu
II. Sedges. Sedges are similar to grasses but have three-ranked leaves and
triangular solid stems. They frequently have modified rhizomes for
storage and propagation.
Examples:
1. Fimbristylis littoralis Gaud.
Local names:
Tagalog Ubod-ubod
29
Pangasinan Gumi
Ilocano Siraw-siraw
2. Cyperus iria Linn.

Local names:
Philippine Alinang, sud-sud
s
Tagalog Taga-taga
Japan Kogome-gayatsuri
III. Broadleaved weeds are dicotyledonous plants with net-veined leaves.

Examples:
1. Monocharia vaginalis Presl.
Local names:
Philippines Gabing uwak
Tagalog Biga-bigaan
Ilocano Bil-lagut
Bicol Upiupi
2. Sphenoclea zeylanica Gaertu.
Local names:
Philippines Dilang butiki
Tagalog Silisilihan
Visaya Mais-mais
Grass Sedge Broadleaved weed
Methods of controlling weeds
1. MECHANICAL METHODS
Weeds are controlled mechanically by:
1. uprooting the weeds
2. cutting
3. flooding or by drying the ground
30
4. burning
5. Smothering. This is done by depriving the weeds of complete sunlight.
6. tillage
Mechanical Weed control

A cultivator is a machine used for mechanical
weed control. It is dragged behind a tractor and
dislodges weeds by breaking up the surface of the
soil with teeth or hoes.
II CROPPING AND COMPETITION METHODS:
1. Thorough land preparation.

2. Crop rotation. Different crops are planted in succession on a piece of
land so as to prevent the exhaustion of any particular food from the soil.
3. Cover cropping. Legumes like centrosema, calopogonium, and others are
grown to areas planted with permanent crops.
4. Intercropping. Two or more crops are grown in an alternate order.
5. Catch cropping. Crops are grown in between permanent crops.
One weed control technique involves managing plants so that weeds have
a difficult time to grow. A farmer or gardener may grow a smother crop, a crop
of closely spaced plants such as squash or sweet potato for example, before
planting the desired crop. The smother crop prevents weeds from receiving
light, water, and nutrients they require, minimizing their competition with the
desired crop. Another cultural control is to rotate crops by growing a different
crop in the same area every year for three or four years. In this method, a weed
that thrives with one crop will not survive with the next one.
III. BIOLOGICAL METHODS
1. Use of clean seeds for planting

2. Use disease-free seeds
3. By pasturing
4. By mulching
Biological Weed Control

Biological control of weeds is carried out by a bioherbicide, a virus, bacterium,
fungus, insect, or other organisms that can weaken or kill weeds. Shown here
are bacteria being cultured in a laboratory petri dish prior to release into a
target weed area. Extensive testing must be carried out to ensure that the
31
bioherbicide does not damage desirable plants. The flowerhead weevil insect,
for example, was imported from Europe in the 1970s before adequate testing
was done. Designed to kill the milk thistle weed, it has recently attacked native
thistle species in the western United States.
IV. CHEMICAL METHOD (Use of herbicides). This method employs the use of
herbicides in controlling weeds. Chemicals are basically poison. When they are
not affected properly, they may harm lives of beneficial insects, animals and
including man. This method then is not environmentally friendly.
Weed control or
pollution?
Cultivation
Cultivation is a tillage operation of loosening or breaking up the soil

about growing crops or plants in order to maintain it in condition favorable for
their growth.
Cultivation is especially necessary in the case of annual crops. With

permanent plants, the ground may be cultivated. In this case we can say clean
culture is practiced, but it should really be grown to cover crops in order to
protect the soil from erosion.
Benefits of cultivation:
1. Cultivation aerates the soil to facilitate the respiration of plant roots and
micro-organisms as well as to supply nitrogen for nitrogen-fixing
organisms.
2. It makes the top soil loose to increase its capacity to absorb water.
3. It kills the weeds, the chief plant competitor.
Methods of cultivation:
 Off-barring. The soil is cultivated away from the plants.

 Hilling-up. The soil is brought toward the base of the plant to cover
fertilizer and control weeds.
32
Objectives of cultivation:
1. Destroy the weeds.

2. Conserve soil moisture.
3. Help conserve food materials in the soil.
It is generally known, however, that when cultivation kills weeds,
moisture is conserved because dead weeds have no more chance to use
the soil moisture as well as food nutrients in the soil.
4. Improve aeration of the soil. During rainy season, the soil lacks air
because spaces in between soil particles are filled with water. If you drain
the soil the soil air can circulate in between soil particles. Cultivation
also creates more spaces between soil particles to accommodate air.
Frequency of cultivation
The ideal way of taking care of an annual crop like vegetables is to keep
the field free from weeds and the soil in excellent tilth all the time through
cultivation. This is usually done in gardening and so when a field receives
about the same amount of attention, we often say we “garden” the field. By this
we simply mean we give the field a very intensive care just as we generally do to
a garden.
Usually, however, we cultivate as many times as we can to keep the

weeds down and prevent them from existing in abundance.
Depth of cultivation
As a rule, cultivation should be at a depth of about 5 centimeters. It

should be deep to kill weeds. It is not advisable to cultivate deeper than it is
necessary to kill the weeds because the roots of the cultivated plants may be
injured. The depth varies according to crops.
Time of cultivation
Cultivation is done after planting and before the crops cover the ground.
Since cultivation is actually a process of working the soil, the rules governing
plowing with reference to the condition of the soil should apply to cultivation.
Below is the time table when to hill up the following vegetable crops.
Beans and peas 2-3 weeks after planting
Eggplant 2-3 weeks after planting
Pepper 2-3 weeks after planting
8-10 cm tall or approximately 30 days after
Potato
planting
Lettuce 2-3 weeks after transplanting
33
Chinese cabbage 2-3 weeks after transplanting
Celery 2-3 weeks after transplanting
Carrots 30 days after transplanting
Cabbage 2-3 weeks after transplanting
Cauliflower and
25-30 days after transplanting
broccoli
Tomato 2-3 weeks after transplanting
Tools/implements/equipment for cultivation
The tools/implements and equipment maybe grouped into garden

trowels, hoes and cultivators. Cultivators are either pushed by man or drawn
by animals and tractors.
A. Garden trowels. These are the simplest tools for cultivation. Trowels are
used in gardening where the ground is taken cared of intensively and the
scale of the work does not demand the use of larger implements.
B. Hoes. Next in simplicity among implements for cultivation is a hoe. Hoes are
specially adapted for use on land where animal drawn cultivators can not
be used, and for cultivating spaces between plants in the row that can
not be reached by other cultivators.
C. Cultivators. A cultivator is an implement used for cultivation and consists
usually of a frame to which shares are attached. Cultivators may be
either propelled by hand or drawn animals, tractor or cable.
 Hand cultivators. Cultivators which are used with hand power are
usually called hand cultivators.
 Animal drawn cultivators. The use of animal drawn cultivators is
preferred than hand machinery because they are more economical to
operate.
 Tractor cultivators. These type of cultivators are not used in the
culture of annuals or crops which require fairly close distancing since
the tractors need a good deal of free space for passage.
LET US REMEMBER
Tips in successful weed control and cultivation
 Prepare your field thoroughly.

 Use seeds free from weed seeds.
 Get acquainted with the nature, life history and habits of the weeds found
in your farm.
 Cultivate and weed your field thoroughly using such weeding implements
because they are not only efficient but are also convenient to use.
34
 In hand weeding, be sure the weeds are completely pulled out instead of
merely being cut.
 Practice crop rotation whenever possible and advisable.
 Do not allow weed plants to produce seeds. Kill them before they have a
chance to reproduce.
 Do not leave weed piles, especially of weed plants which reproduce new
plants. They should be put in a compost pit or be burned.
 Weed control is the most important function of cultivation; therefore, the
work should be done at the time most favorable for killing weeds. The
best time is before the weeds have become established.
 Cultivation should be done as often as necessary to prevent weeds from
injuring the crops and this is done when conditions are favorable.
 Shallow cultivation is preferable than deep cultivation so as not to injure
the root system of the plants.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?
A. TRUE OR FALSE: Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if it

is wrong. Write your answers in your test notebook.
1. All weeds are harmful.
2. Weeds are not hosts of insect pests which may affect the
growth and yield of plants.
3. In order to control weeds successfully, it is important to know
their nature, habit and growth and their methods of natural
reproduction.
4. In cultivation you don’t only break the soil but also control
the growth of weed.
5. Cultivation aerates the soil.
B. FILLING THE BLANKS: Fill in the blanks with a word or group of words
to complete the sentences. Write tour answers in your test notebook.
1. ___________ is the operation of cultivating the soil towards the base of
the plants.
2. As a rule, cultivation should be done at a depth of _________
centimeters.
3. The simplest tools for cultivation is the ______________.
4. A ________________ is a machine used for mechanical weed control
which is dragged behind a tractor and dislodges weeds by breaking up
the surface of the soil with teeth and hoes.
5. ___________are weeds that are monocotyledenous plants which have
long, narrow two-ranked flat leaves and round hallow stems.
35
1. In your own vegetable gardens which I let you prepare before and which
you already have planted your vegetable crops, perform weeding and
cultivation following the knowledge and skills you have learned in your
lesson. Include weeding and cultivation operations in your diary of
activities which I required you to prepare.
2. Write a short report of about 100 words on how you practiced weeding
and cultivation. Include in your report how you felt about your work.
3. Why is there a need to practice cleanliness and sanitation in your
vegetable garden?
RESOURCES
herbicides
sprayer
personal protective equipment (PPE)
hand trowel
plow
shovel
grub hoe
REFERENCES
1983.
36
LESSON 4
PRACTICE PROPER CONTROL OF INSECT PESTS AND DISEASES
This lesson focuses on the control of insect pests and diseases of

vegetable crops.

1. get familiar with insects and their characteristics;

2. discuss the importance of pest control;
3. identify the factors to consider in controlling insect pests and diseases;
4. perform the methods of controlling insect pests and diseases; and
5. appreciate quality vegetable.
LET US STUDY
Let us define
Insect – a small invertebrate animal with three pairs of legs and usually with
wings. It has three clearly marked body regions: head, thorax and
abdomen.
Disease – an abnormal condition that injures the plant or causes it to function
improperly. A disease is any disturbance that interferes with the normal
structure (e.g. height, tillers, leaves), function (e.g. reduced vigor, early
death), and economic value (e.g. reduced yield, poor quality produce) of
the plant (host) .
Symptom – the physical expression of a change in the appearance and function
of the plant
Signs – visible presence of the pathogen
Pathogen – a causal agent of a disease. Pathogen in the broader sense, is any
agent that causes a disease. However, the term is generally used to refer
to a living organism, such as fungus, bacteria and virus.
Pesticides – a broad term that describes all products used to control insects,
diseases, weeds, fungi and other “pests” on plants, animals and in
buildings
Susceptible – easily affected or capable of being influenced
Virulent – noxious, poisonous, infective or malignant
Vector – the transmitter or carrier of a disease
37
Vegetables are susceptible to injury and damage caused by insect pests
which can occur at the same time with other pests. A vegetable grower must be
able to control these pests effectively in order to have profitable crop.
Insects and their characteristics
Many different kinds of insects visit a garden. Some can be harmful, but
most are helpful.
Insects play an important role in nature as predators, parasites,

scavengers, and as prey. Many are plant or animal pests and disease carriers.
Others are useful in pollinating crops and some produce useful substances,
such as honey, beeswax and silk.
 One of the enemies of farmers are insect pests that damage their
crops resulting to great loss of income due to low quality and quantity
of products.
 It is very important to study the insects’ growth and development,
their characteristics and when and how they damage crops. This will
help the farmers apply strategies to control them.
The insect
All insects have 3 pairs of legs and 3 body divisions (head, thorax and
abdomen). A hard outer covering protects the insect’s body. This covering is
called an exoskeleton.
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How does an insect grow?
An insect begins its life as an egg and changes its appearance as it

grows. This is the process of metamorphosis.
A small number of insects give live birth to their young, but for most
insects, life starts inside the egg. Insects’ eggs are protected by hard shells, and
although they are tiny and inconspicuous, they are often laid in vast numbers.
A female house fly for example may lay more than 1,000 eggs in a two-week
period.
The Egg
The larval stage of an insect is the most destructive stage. Most damage
is done to crops at this stage. The larvae grow from almost microscopic size
when hatched. Larvae are ravenous eaters. When full size has been attained,
the larvae either spin a cocoon or build a shell around themselves and go to a
resting stage.
The Pupa
The pupa is the rest period of the

insect. The pupa develops into adult.
“One day, a small opening appeared

in a cocoon; a man sat and watched
for the butterfly for several hours as
it struggled to force its body through
that little hole.”
39
The adult
A mature adult emerges from the

pupa. At this stage, the adult insect
will lay eggs again to continue the
cycle.
The Life Cycle of an Insect (Complete Metamorphosis)
In other insects, such as grasshoppers and aphids, the young insect (nymph)
looks like the parent when it is hatched. It sheds its exoskeleton several times
as it grows.
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Ways on how insects damage plants
1.) by chewing
Insects feed by chewing some portions of the
plant like leaves, stems, flower, and fruits. They have
horn-like jaws which they use for biting and
chewing. Grasshoppers, caterpillars, grubs, and
beetles are examples of these insects.
2.) by sucking
Insects also nourish themselves by sucking,
plant juices and nectar. These have sharp, slender,
hollow beaks which they insert under the surface of
plants to suck their juices. San Jose scales, aphids,
plant lies, squash bugs, and other tree bugs are
sucking insects.
3.)by lapping
Mouth parts of these insects enable them to lap or lick liquids from the
outer surfaces of objects on which they feed. Apple maggots and cherry fruit
flies are examples of lapping insects.
Methods of controlling insects
A. Applied Control. This is a measure to destroy insects.

Agriculturists have found the following methods effective.
I. Chemical Control – This refers to the destruction of insect pests
through the use of chemicals, such as pesticides and insecticides. This
method is not environmentally friendly in the sense that it may kill other
beneficial insects and offer harm to other living things like animals and
men.
a. Insecticides. These are substances that kill insects by their chemical

action.
1. Stomach poisons are spray, dust, or dips that kill the insect when
they are swallowed.
2. Contact poisons are spray, dust or dips that kill the insect with out
being swallowed.
3. Fumigants are chemicals in the form of gas to kill insects usually
applied in an enclosure of some kind.
b. Auxiliary, synergistic or supplemental substances are materials added

to spray or dusts which are not primarily toxicant but which make the
insecticide cover more economically; stick or adhere better to plants;
41
spread over foliage, fruits, or the bark, or the bodies of the insects
more quickly or completely; bring insecticidal substances into
solution or emulsions; mask distasteful or repellent properties of
insecticides or activate the chemical action of the toxicant.
Examples:
 Carriers such as water in a spray, talc in a dust, or bran in
poison bait.
 Emulsifiers such as flours, calcium and blood albumen.
 Stickers such as lime, resin and glues.
 Spreaders like wetting agents and detergents
 Stabilizers such as caustic soda, glue, gelatin
c. Attractants or attrahents. These are substances used in poison baits,

spray or dust to induce the insects to eat the poisoned materials or to
lure insects into traps.
d. Repellants are substances that keep insects away from crops and
animals because of their offensive appearance, odor or taste.
II. Mechanical and Physical Control. These are special operations that
kill insects by physical and mechanical action. Mechanical measures
refer to the operation of machinery or application of manual operations.
This is done through the following ways.
a. manipulation of water or humidity ( draining, dehydrating or flooding
the breeding media)
b. manipulation of temperature like burning
c. use of electric shock
d. use of light and other radiant energy
e. use of sound waves.
III. Cultural Control or Use of Farm Practices. Regular farm operations

performed so as to destroy insects or prevent their injuries.
a. Crop rotation
b. Tilling of the soil
c. Variations in the time or method of planting or
harvesting
d. Destruction of crop residues, weeds, volunteer
plants, and trash
e. Use of resistant varieties
f. Pruning, thinning
g. Fertilizing and stimulating vigorous growth
IV. Biological Control. This is the introduction, encouragement and

artificial increase of predaceous and parasitic insects.
a. Protection and encouragement of insectivorous birds and other
animals.
42
b. The use of growing plants to destroy, repel or prevent damage by
insects.
V. Legal Control. This is the eradication of insects by controlling human

activities.
a. Inspection and quarantine laws prevent the introduction of new
pests from foreign countries or their spread within a country.
b. Introduction of laws enforce the application of control measures
such as spraying, the cleaning up of crop residues, fumigation and
eradication measures.
c. Insecticide laws govern the manufacture and sale and to prevent
the adulteration and misbranding of insecticides.
d. Poisson residue laws fix the tolerance of various insecticides upon
food products offered for sale or transportation.
B. Natural Control. All the measures that destroy or check

insects do not depend upon man for their continuance or success and can
not be greatly influenced by man.
1. Climatic factor such as rainfall, sunshine, cold, heat and wind.
2. Topography factors such as rivers, lakes, mountains, type of soil, other
characteristics of the country that serve as barriers.
3. Predators and parasites including insects, birds, reptiles, mammals.
Insect Pests of Vegetable Crops
1. Aphids
Family: Aphididae
Plants attacked: Most vegetables
Type of damage: Aphids suck plants juices,
may inject toxins into the plant, secrete a
sticky substance called “honeydew,” or
transmit certain plant viruses.
Remember: Aphids are usually found in
colonies on the underside of leaves. They
may be winged but are usually wingless.
Aphids are capable of rapidly increasing in
numbers. Lady beetles and lacewings are
effective predators of aphids.
43
2. White Grubs
Family: Scarabaeidae
Plants attacked: Most vegetables
Type of damage: Grubs feed on the roots or
other underground parts of most
vegetables. Damage typically consists of
surface scars and round gouges.
Characteristics: Grubs are mostly a problem
in fields following sod. Weedy gardens are
also attractive to ovipositing beetles.
3. Cutworms
Family: Noctuidae
Plants attacked: Nearly all vegetables
Types of damage: The most common damage
appears in young plants cut off at the soil
surface. Cutworms may also climb the
plant and feed on foliage and fruit.
Remember: Damage can be reduced by
keeping gardens free of weeds before and
after vegetables are planted.
4. Tarnished Plant Bug

Lygus lineolaris
Family: Mirdae
Plants attacked: Beet, celery, bean, potato,
cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber.
Type of damage: Tarnished plant bugs suck
plant juices and may inject toxic saliva
into the plant. Leaves may become
deformed, stems and petioles may be
scarred and discolored, or the buds and
developing fruit may be dwarfed and
pitted.
Remember: Tarnished plant bugs become
active very early in the season and are
capable of migrating to find preferred host
plants.
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5. Striped Blister Beetle
Epicauta vittata
Family: Meloidae
Plants attacked: Many vegetables
Type of damage: Adults feed ravenously on
foliage
Remember: This general feeder readily moves
from plant to plant. The beetles can be
picked off the foliage. However, they
contain oil that can blister the skin if they
are accidentally crushed. The larvae of
blister beetles are beneficial because they
feed on grasshopper eggs in the soil.
6. Wireworms
Family: Elateridae
Plants attacked: Many vegetables
Types of damage: Wireworms feed on seeds
and seedlings of corn, bean, and pea. They
also cause wilting and often death of the
plant. Wireworms feed on the marketable
portions of potato, sweet potato, radish,
carrot, rutabaga, and turnip. Wireworms
also attack the roots of cabbage,
cucumber, tomato, onion, watermelon, and
other crops thus, reducing vigor or killing
the plants.
Remember: Some species are more serious in
garden that is recently sodden. Wireworms
can be detected with baits (grain or potato)
buried underground before planting.
45
7. Cabbage Looper
Trichoplusia ni
Family: Noctuidae
Plants attacked: Cabbage, cauliflower,
broccoli, radish, collard, mustard, kale,
lettuce, celery, spinach, beet, pea, potato,
and tomato.
Type of damage: Same as imported cabbage
worm.
Remember: Effects of Cabbage loopers are
usually more serious in the fall. They
should be controlled when they are still
small because the large loopers are
difficult to control. They crawl in a looping
fashion- “inchworm.”
8. Diamondback Moth
Plutella xylostella
Plants attacked: Cabbage, cauliflower,
broccoli, radish, mustard
Type of damage: Larvae eat many small
holes on underside of leaves, giving plant a
shot-hole appearance. Some feeding does
not go entirely through the leaf.
9. Colorado Potato Beetle

Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Family: Chrysomelidae
Plants attacked: Potato, tomato, eggplant,
pepper
Type of damage: Adults and larvae feed on
leaves and terminals, causing reduced
growth or death of the plant.
Remember: Damage can be reduced by fall
tillage and elimination of culls and
volunteer potato plants. Applying 4-6
inches of straw much just after hilling will
reduce potato beetle damage.
46
10. Hornworms
Manduca spp.
Family: Sphingidae
Plants attacked: Tomato, potato, pepper,
eggplant
Type of damage: The tomato and tobacco
hornworms consume large amounts of
green foliage and sometimes fruit.
Comments: Easily detected through presence
of droppings resembling those produced by
rabbits. Can be controlled in home gardens
by hand picking. Many hornworms are
killed by parasites on the hornworm’s
body.
11. Corn earworm or Tomato Fruitworm
Helicoverpa zea
Family: Noctuidae
Plants attacked: Many, including corn,
tomato, bean, pepper, okra, eggplant
Type of damage: Corn earworms feed on the
marketable portion of each vegetable crop
that it attacks, often making them
unusable.
Remember: Home gardens may wish to cut
the damaged tips off sweet corn ears or
plant extra to compensate for losses.
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12. Striped Cucumber Beetle
Acalymma vittatum
Plants attack: Cucurbits (cucumber, squash,
gourd, watermelon)
Type of damage: Larvae feed on roots and
underground stems. Adults may destroy
newly emerged plants. On older plants,
beetles feed on leaves, shoots, and stems.
The beetles transmit a bacterium that
causes bacterial wilt to cucumber and
cantaloupe.
Remember: Only a short period of feeding is
necessary to transmit the bacterium, so
plants must be protected from beetle
feeding, Protecting plants with row covers
before bloom will prevent beetle feeding
and disease transmission, but be sure to
remove them when flowers appear.
13. Spotted Cucumber Beetle
Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi
Plants attacked: Cucurbits, bean, pea,
potato, beet, asparagus, eggplant, tomato,
corn, cabbage
Type of damage: Larvae feed on roots of
corn, beans, alfalfa, and many grasses.
Adults feed on foliage and also transmit
bacterial wit of cucurbits to cucumber and
cantaloupe.
14. Bean Leaf Beetle

Cerotoma trifurcate
Family: Chrydomelidae
Plants attacked: Bean, pea, soybean
Type of damage: Larvae feed on roots,
nodules, and underground portions of the
stem. Adults feed on stems of seedlings
and chew round holes in leaves and pods.
Remember: Plants can usually tolerate a
considerable amount of leaf feeding.
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The plant disease
A plant disease can be identified or diagnosed through the

characteristic/s or seen by manifestation of diseased (symptoms) and the
presence of visible structures (signs) produced by the pathogen.
The causal agent (pathogen) may be either a living agent (biotic) or

nonliving agent (abiotic). Biotic agents have the ability to enter and colonize
plant parts and other plants. When disease increases rapidly in a large plant
population over time, a serious outbreak occurs (epidemic).
The disease triangle
Disease is the result of the

interactions between a pathogen and environment
a host in a pathogen and a host in a
favorable environment. A disease
generally occurs because the host is
susceptible, the pathogen is virulent,
and the environment is conducive for
the disease to grow.
pathogen host
Environmental factors that cause diseases:
 Temperature. Bacteria grow rapidly at high temperature. Most insects

are active and multiply rapidly in warm temperature.
 Moisture. High moisture content enhances high germination rate of
fungal spores, affects bacteria in entering into plant tissue cells, and
increases fungal spores in number.
 Wind. Wind disperses fungal spores over distance. Strong winds
damage plant tissues, creating entry points for bacteria. Light wind
current is favorable for insects’ movement.
Common causes of plant disease
A. Non-living factors (Abiotic)

 Non-living factors do not spread from disease-infected plants to
healthy plants.
 They can be recognized only through their symptoms.
Examples:
Drying of leaves is due to lack of moisture or due to chemical burn.
Yellowing of leaves is due to nutrient deficiency.

 They can be avoided by providing nitrogen.
49
B. Living (Biotic) factors:
 A disease may be caused by organisms that spread disease to healthy
plants.
 The organisms are very small.
 Can be recognized by symptoms and signs
 Can be managed by destroying or removing the parasitic agent and
reducing the number of pathogen and infection rate.
Symptoms and Signs
A symptom is the physical expression of change in the appearance and

function of the plant.
Examples: blights, rots, cankers, gall, necrosis, and spots.
A sign is the visible presence of the pathogen such as a fruiting body or

as a discharge associated with the disease.
Examples: conks, mycelia, ooze
Controlling vegetable diseases
As with insect control, disease control is an important phase of vegetable

production. Disease control measures begin before the disease is observed in
the field. In contrast, measures for controlling insects are usually withheld
until insects or their damage is observed.
The aims and methods in the control of plant diseases are primarily
preventive and secondarily curative.
Disease control begins with soil sterilization and seed treatment and
continues with applications of fungicides, bactericides or depending upon the
causal organism.
Different treatments to control vegetable diseases:
1. Soil treatment
 Using steam or dry heat
 Drenching the soil with formaldehyde solution.
 Dusting with fungicides
 Fumigating the soil.
2. Seed treatment
 Dusting with ceresin, arasan or semesan
 Soaking in liquid fungicide
 Using hot water treatment
3. Vegetative treatment. This is done either by spraying or dusting with
50
various fungicides.
4. Adapting cultural practices that control or minimize plant diseases:

 Cultivating and weeding the area with growing plants
 Keeping the insects under control
 Keeping the plants vigorous with proper irrigation and fertility
 Planting resistant varieties
 Burning or burying all infected parts and refuse
 Removing the vegetables immediately after harvest
 Employing crop rotation
 Providing good drainage
To control plant diseases, various means and methods are used.

The use of these means and methods are based upon five fundamental
principles, namely; exclusion, eradication or extermination, inhibition,
protection and production of resistant varieties.
a. Exclusion. Exclusion aims to keep the causes of the disease from

entering and stabling itself in an uninfected country or locality. The
measures used are inspection and quarantine. Inspection is done by
examining the suspected plants or plant products for traces of
dangerous pathogen so that if such are found the plants may be
treated.
b. Eradication or extermination. This may consist of several
processes which are listed below.
 Sorting – this is done by screening, winnowing, and seed
preparation by specific gravity, hand picking and selecting
disease-free seeds or cuttings. This is applied to seeds, nursery
and other plants and plant parts used for propagation.
 Roguing - The diseased materials are picked and eliminated,
burned or buried in the soil to avoid the spread of the disease.
 Removal of disease-infected parts – An example of this process is
the cutting out of the infected portions of the plant.
 Removal of alternate or weed hosts.
 Removal of debris – Certain disease causing organisms, for
example the Phytopthora disease of eggplant, are found in
debris. For this reason it is necessary to practice cleanliness in
the farm. Plant materials bearing diseases should be burned or
buried deep in the ground.
 Cultivation – the mechanical treatment of the soil can destroy
the dormant stages of the pathogen or its weed host.
 Crop rotation – The object of this method is to starve the
pathogen in the soil by withholding its host, or host from the
previous crops for several planting seasons.
 Disinfection – the operation of directly killing the pathogen while
51
it is on its host or in the environment of the host. This method is
used in tubers, seeds, soil, storage roosts, etc. It is maybe done
by heat, or with the use of poisonous substances; fungicidal
solution, and formaldehyde.
c. Inhibition or the modification of environment. The aim of this
method of control is to hold the pathogen in check by controlling or
modifying certain surrounding environmental conditions. For
example, damping off in nurseries is controlled by exposing the
attacked seedlings to the sun and keeping them in a drier
atmosphere.
d. Protection. The aim of this method is to place effective barriers
between the susceptible part of the plant and the pathogen in order to
prevent infection. Examples of this method are:
 Creation of wind breaks
 Selection of sheltered places protected from wind-borne
inoculums
 Bagging protects the fruits from parasite-bearing insects coming
in contact with plants.
e. Chemical control like spraying of liquid fungicides, or dusting
using a fungicide in powder form or dust is applied to the plants.
Common Diseases of Vegetables
Problem Symptoms and Sign Management
52
Damping off  Damping-off is ● The fungi that cause
Phytium sp. these seedling diseases
essentially a seedling
Fusarium sp. are soil inhabitants. To
Rhizoctoni sp. disease. Infected plant reduce plant losses,
Phytophora shows soft-girdled, rotted sterilize soil for growing
sp stem near the soil line seedlings; use healthy
seeds dressed with
Hosts: causing young seedlings fungicide; locate nursery
Crucifers to topple down. Symptoms beds on well-drained
Solanaceous are brown, water-soaked sites; and keep beds well-
Legumes ventilated
areas around the lesion
Cucurbits
that shrivel and pinch the
seedling off the base.
● The dry rot is usually
limited to the outer part of
the stem and infected plant
may fall down or may
remain more or less
upright. Infected plants
remain under developed
and usually die.
53
Bacterial wilt  Sudden wilting of  Since the bacterium is
Ralstonia
leaves and death of the soil-borne, soil treatment
Solanacearum
Pseudomonas entire plant is effective in controlling
Solanacearum unaccompanied by any this disease. Hot water
yellowing or spotting of treatment of seeds at
Hosts:
Solanaceous leaves. 50°C for 25 minutes
 Brownish effectively reduces the
discoloration appears in bacteria that stick to
vascular tissues of the seeds.
basal part of the stem.  Rotation of non-
Also, roots are formed on solanaceous crops;
the stem. If the stem is growing of seedlings in
cut, milky white exudes bacterial wilt-free beds;
ooze out from the vascular and planting of tomatoes
system after suspended in away from the land
water. In later stage of previously infected with
the disease, decay of the bacterium to prevent
pith cause extensive infection from drainage
hollowing of the stem water are important in
the management of
bacterial wilt disease.
 Use of compost may
reduce bacterial wilt.
High organic matter in
the soil improves
conditions for
microorganisms
including antagonistic
organisms that may
work against Rhizoctonia
bacteria.
54
Downey  The disease appears  Major control
mildew
as yellow spots on the measures include the
Pseudoperono
s surface of the leaves with use of resistant varieties
Pora cubensis a purplish downy growth and crop rotation. Wider
(Berk and on the lower surface. spacing between plants
Curt)
Rostow These yellow spots may and planting sites with
soon turn reddish-brown good drainage and
Hosts: and eventually kill the ventilation also helps
Solanaceous
leaves. When infected check disease
Cucurbitacea
plants do not die, the development by
fruits may not mature, promoting good aeration
and the flavor is poor. and rapid drying of plant
surfaces.
 Use of clean seeds or
hot water treatment will
lessen the disease
development. Practice
sanitation and
destruction of plant
debris will likewise help
to eliminate the disease.
When seedlings show
symptoms of downy
mildew, try applying
some extra nitrogen.
Seedlings tend to
outgrow the disease if
they are top-dressed
with nitrogenous
fertilizer.
55
Fusarium wilt  The fungi may infect  Seeds from healthy
Fusarium
the plant at any age. plants and treating the
oxysporum
Initial symptoms are seeds with hot water will
Hosts: yellowing of the leaves help reduce the
Solanaceous near the base of the plant incidence of this disease.
followed by wilting. One Precautions must be
or more branches may be taken to reduce the
affected while others spread of infested soil on
remain symptomless. implements and workers
 As the disease during movement among
progresses, yellowing greenhouses and fields.
develops on the upper  Rotation might help
leaves. Affected leaves limit the development of
may sometimes dry up new races of this
before wilting is detected. persistent soil-borne
The vascular system of pathogen. Do not apply
the affected stem and excessive fertilizer and
petioles becomes brown use disease-resistant
and can be detected by varieties.
cutting them diagonally.
56
Powdery  Initial symptoms are  Treat seeds with hot
mildew
small, white powdery water before sowing.
Leveillula
taurica (Lev) spots that first appear on  The use of sprinkler
Arnaud the upper surface of the irrigation and fungicidal
Oidiopsis leaflets and soon become spray can help in
Taurica
Tepper evident on both surfaces. reducing the
 Affected tissues turn development of the
Hosts: yellow. In serious cases, disease.
Legumes
the mildew covers the
Parsley
solanaceous entire leaf until it shrivel
and dies. The disease
progresses from the older
to younger leaves. The
pathogen also affects
stem, petioles and floral
parts.
57
Bacterial Spot  Leaf lesions begin as  The bacterium can be
Xantomonas
water-soak, and circular seed-borne and persist
campestris
pv. to irregularly-shaped in crop debris and
vesicatoria spots that become weeds. Warm
necrotic with brown temperatures, sprinkle
Hosts:
Crucifers centers and chlorotic irrigation or heavy rains
Cucurbits borders. enhance the severity of
 More numerous on the disease. Seed
young than old leaves, cleaning along with crop
lesions are slightly rotation, helps in the
sunken on the upper leaf prevention of disease
surface and slightly raised outbreaks, while copper
on the lower surface. compound sprays reduce
Lesions sometimes the rate of disease
coalesce and severely development.
infected leaves turn yellow
and drop.
 Fruit symptoms start
as water-soaked brown
dots and then become
raised, wart-like in
appearance surrounded
by a lighter halo. Narrow,
elongated lesions or
streaks may develop on
stems.
58
Cercospora  Brown effuse patches  The pathogen survives
Leaf mold
under the leaf. The in diseased plants parts
Cercospora
fuligena corresponding upper where it produces spores
Roldan surfaces turn yellow and at the beginning of the
later brown. growing season. The
Hosts:
Cucurbits  In advanced application of fungicides
Legumes infection, the patches and planting resistant
Cricifers coalesce and become varieties can reduce
necrotic. Foliage of disease losses.
severely infected plants
dries up and dies.
 Symptoms may also
occur on petioles and
young succulent stems,
but have not been
reported on fruit.
 The disease
progresses from older to
younger leaves.
Tomato yellow  Yellowing and curling  Control insect vector
Leaf Curl
of the leaves and stunting. by using systemic
Virus
Transmitted Some varieties show insecticides like
by whitefly severe cupping and dimethoate, fenitrothion
(Bemisia curling of leaves while and fenthion.
tabaci)
some exhibit rosette type  Remove weeds; use
Hosts: of symptoms. barrier crops like maize
Tomato  Flowers are often two months before
aborted and wilted. Plants transplanting seedlings;
may be excessively avoid planting
branched and those that solanaceous and
survive set very little malvaceous plants near
fruits. tomatoes, roughing; and
use of resistant varieties.
59
Namamarako  Typical symptoms  Sanitation or removing
(maleness)
include wrinkling of leaves of weeds that serve as
NMK virus
transmitted followed by thickening of alternate host of the
by Aphis leaves, which become vector of the virus
gossypi and shiny or ‘plastic’ in disease is one of the
Myzus
persicae appearance. Later older preventive measures for
leaves most often have this disease.
Hosts: yellow patches and the  Control of the insect
Cucurbits
number of female flowers vector is necessary to
is severely reduced. In limit the transfer of the
severe infection, plants disease. Proper fertilizer
could be stunted and management is also
sometimes, even male necessary to produce
flowers are hardly vigorous plants.
produced.
Phomopsis  Phomopsis is a  The most effective
Fruit Rot
fungal disease that is soil- method or control is to
Hosts: borne. It spreads with collect infected fruits
Eggplant water splashing from soil and bury them. Keep
to plants or from plant to field clean from rotting
plant with irrigation and fruits; dead leaves and
rain. branches, and weeds.
 The affected areas on  Keep fruits from
fruits are dark brown. touching the soil.
They grow rapidly and are Provide proper aeration
circular in pattern. The in the area.
infected fruits turn brown
and rot in a few days.
60
Pictures showing signs/symptoms of diseases of vegetable crops
Bacterial wilt of melon – Downy mildew of melon Downy mildew of luffa –

wilting plant – leaf symptoms leaf symptoms
Fusarium wilt of Cottony leak of Bacterial soft rot of

cucumber – yellowing cucumber – decaying cabbage – decay of core
and wilting plants fruit and fungal and internal head
mycelium tissue
Xanthomonas leaf spot Bacterial soft rot – Bacterial wilt – vascular

of Chine collapsing fruit in the discoloration in lower
field stem and roots
61
Cercospora leaf spot Pepper mild mottle Powdery mildew
(Frogeye) – gray-brown (PMMV) – mild mosaic (Leveillula) – leaf
circular lesions with in leaves yellowing and necrosis
light colored center evident on the upper
surface of leaves
Tomato mosaic (TOMV) Gray wall

– mild mosaic in leaves (physiological) – gray to
brown sunken areas on
the fruit surface and
brown internal tissue
on the fruit walls
Safety precautions in the use of pesticides
Practically all of the pesticides commercially available are toxic to man

and animals. The people most likely to encounter these hazards are the
operators and applicators.
Pesticides enter the body in three ways:1) by ingestion or swallowing; 2)
by breathing the dusts or vapors; and 3) by absorption through the skin. One
form can prove just as fatal as the other, but most cases of poisoning occur
through taking in accidentally. Unfortunately children are the most frequent
victims of such negligence by the adults. Because of this, all materials should
be kept in their original containers and locked up or placed out of the reach of
children.
A. Before application
1. Read the label
 Determine the target organism.
 Identify the rate and time of application.
 Wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
 Remember the antidotes and other safety measures.
 Observe field reentry intervals after treatment.
62
2. Check the sprayer
 Fill the tank with plain water and test the sprayer to be used that
there are no leaks or loose connections and the equipment is working
properly.
 Repair or replace any worn-out or faulty part.
3. Mixing and filling
 Extra precaution is necessary when mixing and filling sprayers
because pesticides are concentrated.
 Wear personal protective equipment.
 Open pesticide container carefully to avoid splashes, spills, or drifts.
 Keep your head away from the opening of the sprayer.
 Wash and change clothes immediately if pesticide is spilled on
clothing.
 Do not use bare hands in mixing pesticides, nor allow concentrated
materials to touch bare skin.
B. During application
1. Wear personal protective equipment.
2. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or blow clogged nozzles with your mouth while
applying pesticides.
3. Do not spray when it is windy to avoid pesticide drift.
4. Spray areas near homes in early mornings or evenings when humans,
pets and livestock are less likely to be exposed.
C. After application
1. Store remaining pesticides properly.
2. Bathe and change clothing after application of pesticides.
3. Stay away from treated field one to two days. This prevents poisoning
through contact with treated plants, or inhalation of pesticide fumes.
LET US REMEMBER
A large group of pests attacking crops are in the form of animals. These
vary in sizes. Some are visible and some are not.
Animal pests maybe grouped into insects, birds, rodents, and

pathogens.
The insects are probably the worst enemies of our crops. The study of
insect pests and their control is the science of entomology and the person
engaged in entomological work is called entomologist.
Insects are classified into three: the sucking insects, lapping, and the
biting insects.
63
A. Based on the definition of an insect, which of the following are insects?
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
7. 8.
B. Building blocks in insects. Identify the statements below and fill in each
block with a letter that corresponds with your answer. The number of blocks
determines the number of letters of the correct answer. Again write your
answer in you test notebook.
1. The first letter of the beginning of an insects’ life.
2. Are all insects harmful?
3. The initial letter of the 3 body divisions of an insect.
4. That stage of an insect when they are in their cocoon.
64
5. The last stage of an insect’s life.
6. The body division with 3 segments where the 3 pairs of legs are found.
7. They are characterized with 3 body divisions, 3 pairs of legs, with or without
wings.
8. The specialized mouthpart of a chewing insect.
9. A needle like structure to suck plant juices, nectar and blood.
10. The protective covering of an insect body which is hard. Exclude the first
letter.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
C. Matching type. Match column A to column B. Write the letter of your

answer in your test notebook.
COLUMN A COLUMN B
1. Entomology a. building or placing of effective barriers to control
2. Insect control spread of diseases.
3. Pathogen b. the study of insects and their
4. Sucking c. causal organisms of diseases
insects d. any abnormal condition that will affect the
5. Biting insects normal function of plant parts
or chewing e. the changes in the life of an insect
insects f. the removal of a diseased plant
6. Metamorphosis g. the direct killing of the pathogen while it is on its
7. Roguing host or in the environment of the host.
8. Disinfection h. group of insects that sucks plant juices
9. Protection i. group of insects that eat parts of the plant.
10. Disease j. a small invertebrate animal having three body
divisions, three pairs of legs and usually with wings
k. It places effective barriers between the susceptible
part of the and the pathogen in order to prevent
infection.
65
Visit your vegetable gardens and the school vegetable plantation.

Observe if there are insects, stray animals, and diseases destroying your crops.
List down the observations you have made. Identify how your plants are
destroyed. If you doubt your diagnosis in case of a disease consult your teacher
for proper identification of the disease. Include in your report how you
controlled these pests. Present your written report to your teacher.
Write in your diary all the required activities for your garden.
RESOURCES
insecticides
fungicide
soil sterilant
sprayer
personal protective equipment
REFERENCES
1983.
66
67
LESSON 5
PERFORM MULCHING
This lesson deals with mulching vegetable crops. It includes the

identification of mulch materials to be used and methods of using them.
Upon completion of the lesson you should be able to:
1. determine the importance of mulching;

2. identify the mulch materials;
3. perform mulching; and
4. value the importance of using mulch materials.
LET US STUDY
Let us Define
mulch – any material spread on the ground to protect plant roots from heat,
cold or drought and to keep fruits clean
mulching – the practice of covering the soil with any kind of material like
leaves, paper and plastic in order to protect the plants from extreme
temperature and to conserve soil moisture
Importance of mulching
 Mulching reduces the washing away of soil particles especially in sloping

gardens. Also, mulches prevent raindrops from splashing on the soil
surface.
 Conserving soil moisture is an important use of mulch. A layer of mulch
on the soil surface allows the soil to conserve more water mulch also
reduces the rate of water loss from the soil.
 Mulches modify soil temperature in vegetable gardens. Proper mulching
in summer months keeps the soil cooler. Soil covered by black or clear
plastic or dark organic mulch in the early morning warms faster than
bare soil.
 Organic mulches enrich the soil as they decay and provide a better
68
environment for plant growth. Soils that have high organic matter are
easier to till and better suited to vegetable gardening. Organic mulch
such as straw or newspaper can be turned under the soil at the end of
the season. This helps build the soils organic matter content. Turn the
mulch under as soon as the gardening season is over so it breaks down
before the garden is replanted.
 Most mulch also provides excellent weed control. Mulches do not
prevent weed seeds from sprouting. Weed seed emergence is blocked by
a mulch layer thick enough to exclude light. A 3 inch layer of mulch on
the soil surface is enough to prevent the growth of weeds.
 Garden mulching reduces maintenance. A good mulch layer eliminates
the need for weeding, and mulched vegetables are cleaner at harvest
time. For example, the fruits of tomato, melon and other plants never
touch the soil so they are a lot cleaner than those unmulched vegetable
crops.
 There will be more fruit harvests because of less fruit rot. This is
because the soil does not splash up on the fruit.
Mulch materials
There are many materials in the locality that could be used as mulch
materials.
 Compost is generally the best mulching material for home and school
gardens. It is usually free from weed seeds and is in expensive. Prepare
compost from materials present in your yard.
 Straw is short lived and coarse textured. More straw is needed for the
same effect as compost or lawn clippings.
 Sawdust is common mulch available especially in urban places. If
well managed, it can be good mulch. Add a small amount of garden
fertilizer to the after applying sawdust directly to a garden. Even better,
add nitrogen to sawdust, and then compost it before spreading in your
garden.
 Plastic is effective mulch if properly used. Black plastic keeps light
from the soil and prevents weeds from growing. Clear plastic warms the
soil, but weeds can grow beneath the plastic. A disadvantage of plastic is
that it cannot be turned into the soil at the end of the planting season.
However, it can be recycled.
 Newspaper is much better than plastic because they can be turned
into the soil after se.
When selecting mulch materials, consider these factors:

 Cost of the material. Do not spend money on mulching materials when
there are suitable materials available in the locality at little or no cost.
 The crop you plan to mulch. Never use material from the same crop that
you are to mulch. For example do not use bean stalks from the first
69
planting season to mulch beans planted in the second planting season.
 The time when mulch is to be used. Select light colored mulch during
summer to reflect heat. Use dark-colored mulch in the early season to
help warm the soil and to permit earlier planting and hasten early
growth.
How to use mulches
Spread mulches on freshly cultivated, used free soil before plants are
large enough to interfere. Apply organic mulch thick enough to leave a 3 inch
layer after setting. Four inches of fine materials like compost should be
adequate. Remember that coarser materials, such as straw, settle and many
require 6 inches or more initially. If you use newspaper, place thee layers on
each side of the row. Add more mulch during the season when working with
organic materials. The mulch settles and gradually rots during the growing
season where it meets the moist soil surface. Adding more layers assures
continuous wed control and a clean resting place for the fruits of your labor
and creates a pleasing appearance throughout the season.
LET US REMEMBER
Mulching is performed especially in the production of vegetable crops

because of the following reasons:
 It reduces the washing away of soil particles.
 It modifies soil temperature.
 It conserves soil moisture.
 It controls the growth of weeds.
 It improves the fertility of the soil.
1. Differentiate mulch from mulching? (2 points)

2. Give at least 3 examples of mulch materials that are degradable and one
non-degradable. (4 points)
3. Using non-degradable material is much easier to apply, but you have
several degradable mulch materials in your locality but harder to use.
Which would you choose and why?
70
RESOURCES
mulch materials
compost
rice straw/hay
sawdust/rice hull
plastic
sticks
REFERENCES

1983.
71
HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THE MODULE?
Post Test
Let’s find out how much you have learned about the module. Read and
understand the questions very well and answer them correctly.
Direction: Read and understand the questions carefully and select the best
answer by writing the LETTER only in your test notebook.
1. We can say that the soil is fertile when

a. the soil contains most of the essential elements needed for plant
growth.
b. it can produce maximum yield of crops.
c. the color of the soil is black.
d. the soil is porous.
2. It refers to the necessary materials which a plant can build new tissues and
at the same time carry on its normal functions.
a. lime c. plant food
b. inoculants d. pesticide
3. An organic and inorganic material that supports plant growth and

development is known as
a. biofertilizer c. fertilizer
b. commercial fertilizer d. organic fertilizer
4. Which of the following does NOT belong to the group?

a. calcium c. phosphorus
b. nitrogen d. potassium
5. Which one is the primary function of nitrogen?

a. Nitrogen aids in seed formation.
b. Nitrogen forms and transfers starch.
c. Nitrogen hastens maturity.
d. Nitrogen gives dark green color to plants.
6. The method of scattering the fertilizer on the surface of the ground refers to
a. side dressing.
b. broadcasting.
c. foliar application.
d. band or row or localized placements.
72
7. Which of the following is NOT a method of determining soil fertility?
a. soil analysis
b. field fertilizer trials
c. nutrient deficiency symptom
d. foliar application of fertilizer
8. Which of the following methods is not a good practice in the conservation of

soil fertility?
a. Apply organic fertilizer.
b. Practice broadcasting and side dressing of fertilizer.
c. Practice green manuring.
d. Practice composting, mulching and cover cropping.
9. The application of water to the soil by any other means than rainfall is
a. fertigation c. fertilization
b. drainage d. irrigation
10. The water is applied above the ground, either in furrows or by spreading it
over the land being irrigated is called______.
a. sub-irrigation c. over head or spray irrigation
b. surface irrigation d. watering by hand
11. This method of irrigation is used to apply water with the use of sprinklers
to irrigate crops grown in a small piece of land like school and home
gardens.
a. irrigation by hand c. irrigation by windmill
b. irrigation by gravity d. irrigation by power machinery
12. Which of the following benefits is NOT derived from irrigation?

a. Assures crop against drought
b. Improves soil aeration
c. Enables the growing of quick maturing crop
d. Increases quality and yield of crops
13. Which of the practices will save irrigation water?

a. Over irrigation
b. Wild flooding
c. Lining of canals properly with a clay puddle
d. Planting in improperly graded surface
14. The process of removing excess water from the soil in order to increase its
productivity is_____.
a. fertigation c. irrigation
b. drainage d. none of these
73
15. These are either wild or cultivated plants which grow in a place where they
are not wanted.
a. broadleaf weeds c. sedges
b. grasses d. weeds
16. Which of the following is not a good reason for removing or controlling the
weeds?
a. Weeds cause a decrease in crop production.
b. Weeds increase labor cost and cost of production.
c. Weeds increase land value.
d. Weeds harbor plant pests which may affect plant growth and yield.
17. Which of the following is NOT a mechanical method of controlling weeds?

a. burning c. cover cropping
b. cutting d. uprooting the weeds.
18. Which of the methods of controlling weeds is NOT environmentally friendly?

a. biological c. mechanical
b. cropping and competition d. chemical
19. Which is NOT true about cultivation?

a. It conserves soil moisture. c. It improves aeration of the soil.
b. It destroys weeds. d. It decreases crop yield.
20. The best time to cultivate is

a. after planting and before the crop covers the ground.
b. after watering or irrigating.
c. after draining the field.
d. all of these.
74
Y3 MODULE 5 ANSWER KEY
PRE-TEST LESSON 2 LESSON4

1. D 1. IRRIGATION A. 1. INSECT
2. C 2. DRAINAGE 2. NOT
3. C 3. SURFACE IRRIGATION 3. NOT
4. A 4. IRRIGATION BY GRAVITY 4. NOT
5. D 5. IRRIGATION BY POWER MACHINERY 5. NOT
6. B 6. INSECT
7. D LESSON 3 7. INSECT
8. B A. 1.FALSE 8. INSECT
9. D 2. FALSE B. 1. E
10. B 3. TRUE 2. NO
11. A 4. TRUE 3. HTA
12. B 5. TRUE 4. PUPA
13. B B. 1. HILLING UP 5. ADULT
14. B 2. 5CM 6. THORAX
15. D 3. HAND TOOLS 7. INSECTS
16. C 4. CULTIVATORS 8. MANDIBLE
17. C 5. GRASSES 9. PROBOSCIS
18. D 10. XOSKELETON
19. D C. 1. B
20. A 2. J
3. C
LESSON 1 4. H
A. 1. FERTIGATION 5. I
2. FOLIAR FERTILIZER 6. E
3. SIDE DRESSING 7. F
4. FERTILIZER 8. K
5. FERTILIZATION 9. A
B. 1. TRUE 10. D
2. TRUE
3. FALSE
4. TRUE
5. TRUE
75
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS PAGE
MODULE 5. Maintaining the growth of plants..………… 1
What is this module about?.................................. 1

What will you learn?............................................. 1
What do you already know?.................................. 1
LESSON 1. Apply the recommended kind and rate

of fertilizer……………………………............. 4
What is this lesson about?................................... 4

What will you learn?............................................ 4
Let us study........................................................ 4
Let us remember.................................................. 17
How much have you learned ............................... 17
Let us apply what you have learned..................... 18
Resources............................................................ 18
References........................................................... 19
LESSON 2. Perform irrigation and drainage practices... 20
What is this lesson about?.................................... 20

Let us study.......................................................... 21
Let us remember................................................... 24
How much have you learned................................. 25
Let us apply what you have learned...................... 25
Resources............................................................. 26
References............................................................ 26
LESSON 3. Practice weeding and cultivation................. 27
What is this lesson about?..................................... 27

What will you learn?.............................................. 27
76
Let us study........................................................... 28
Let us remember................................................... 34
How much have you learned.................................. 35
Let us apply what you have learned....................... 36
Resources.............................................................. 36
References............................................................. 36
LESSON 4. Practice proper control of insect pests

and diseases…………………………………….. 37

Let us study.......................................................... 37
Let us remember................................................... 65
Resources............................................................. 65
References............................................................ 65
LESSON 5. Perform mulching…………………………….... 66

Let us study.......................................................... 66
Let us remember................................................... 68
Resources............................................................. 69
References............................................................ 69
How much have you learned from the module........ 70
77

Y3 Module5

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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

QUALIFICATION TITLE : HORTICULTURE NC II

WHAT IS THIS MODULE ABOUT?

This module covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes in applying

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

Upon completion of the module, you should be able to:

HOW MUCH DO YOU ALREADY KNOW?

1. We can say that the soil is fertile if:

2. It refers to the necessary materials which a plant can build new

4. Which of the following does NOT belong to the group?

5. Which one is the primary function of nitrogen?

6. When the fertilizers are applied in scattered manner over the

7. Which of the following is NOT a method of determining soil fertility?

8. In order to conserve soil fertility, the following methods should be

10. The water is applied above the ground, either in furrows or by

16. Which of the following is not a good reason for removing or

17. Which of the following is NOT a mechanical method of controlling

18. Which of these methods of controlling weeds is NOT

19. Which is NOT true about cultivation?

20. The best time to cultivate is-----------------.

APPLY THE RECOMMENDED KIND AND RATE OF FERTILIZER

WHAT IS THIS LESSON ABOUT?

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

The plant food elements

The primary plant food elements

The secondary plant food elements

Elements from air and water

The trace elements

Nutrient Functions Symptoms of Deficiency

1. Organic fertilizers are farm manures, compost, crop residues, and

Inorganic fertilizers are artificially prepared or those that may be

 Single element fertilizer which contains only one of the

Nutrient Content of Fertilizers

To supply a certain amount of plant nutrients, determine the

Ammonium Sulfate (AS) contains 21 percent nitrogen. This means that

If one wants to apply 80 kilograms per hectare of phosphorus as a single

How to calculate the percentage of fertilizer elements from known

Given a quantity of fertilizer with the following composition, find

To determine the analysis of a fertilizer mixture, multiply the

weight of fertilizer × percentage of

This could be summarized as: Grade = 3.7-14.1-7.0

How to calculate the amounts of fertilizer materials to make up a

Given the following fertilizer materials with their corresponding

2,000 x .12 = 240 kg on N needed

480 = 960 kg triple

240 = 400 kg potassium

Calculate Mixed Fertilizers

In preparing 1,000 kg of a fertilizer mixture of the 5-8-12 grade,

Methods of fertilizer application

As a general rule, a fertilizer material should be placed in the soil

1. Broadcasting – It is a method where in fertilizer is applied over the

1. Field fertilizer trials. As the term implies, field fertilizer trial

Loss of nutrients from the soil

Methods of conserving soil fertility

Why use compost?

Composting is the controlled decay of plant and animal to produce

What do compost organisms need?

1. Balanced diet of compost materials compose

2. Right amount of air and water

Three ways of making compost

1. Traditional method. This is a slow process, requiring 3-4 months

Steps in making compost