COMPARISON OF “TREATMENT POTENTIAL” OF BAKING SODA,
GARLIC AND VINEGAR ON APHIDS
__________________
A Research Paper
Presented to the
Science Department
Integrated Developmental School
MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology
__________________
In Partial Fulfillment for the Course
Science Research II
__________________
JESSICA AIRA Paasa SASAM
ALEXANDRA Padilla SIAO
December 2011
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APPROVAL SHEET
This research paper entitled “COMPARISON
OF
“TREATMENT
POTENTIAL” OF BAKING SODA, GARLIC AND VINEGAR ON APHIDS”
prepared and submitted by JESSICA AIRA Paasa SASAM and ALEXANDRA
Padilla SIAO
PROF. CHARITY I. MULIG
Adviser
________________
Date
MS. ALMA GLORIA L. SILVA
Panel Member
PROF. VICTORIA A. TARRANZA
Panel Member
____________
Date
____________
Date
Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the Course in Science Research I.
PROF. VICTORIA A. TARRANZA
Chairperson, Department of Science and Mathematics
Date
PROF. LEILA V. BERNALDEZ
Principal, IDS
Date
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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of the Study
Most of the land available for growing plants, especially in urban areas, is now
being turned into construction sites for buildings and other infrastructure. Even though
this is true, rate of food production can still be maintained through soilless farming.
Hydroponics could be the solution to problems like lack of food and also, through this,
the beautification of urban areas, where plants cannot be found because there is no soil,
may be possible. Although the method itself is not new, there are still people who are not
familiar with its many advantages. This topic was chosen so that this alternative method
of planting could be studied and compared to the traditional method of using soil.
A growing problem in the Philippines is the scarcity of food due to decreased
food production brought about by climate problems such as the El Niño. This study is of
interest to the researchers because they would like to test the efficiency of this method to
determine if maybe this would be a feasible solution for the said problem.
B. Statement of the Problem
Due to increasing industrialization, a lot of places which could have been used for
planting crops have been turned into industrialized sites. There is now a decrease in food
production for a growing population; therefore an alternative method of planting without
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soil must be used to increase food production. In this study, the growth characteristics of
the plants grown through hydroponics and through soil were compared in order to
determine if hydroponics is a feasible alternative to farming using soil.
Sub-problems:
1. What are the growths in height of the pechay grown in soil and in
hydroponics?
2. Do the heights of the pechay grown in soil and the pechay grown in
hydroponics have a significant difference?
3. When do the first true leaves appear?
4. Is there a difference in the times of appearance of true leaves between the
pechay grown in soil and pechay grown in hydroponics?
5. How many true leaves appear on the pechay grown in soil and on the
pechay grown in hydroponics?
6. Is there a significant difference between the number of leaves in the soil
set-up and the number of leaves in the hydroponics set-up?
7. How big is the largest leaf in each sample in both set-ups?
8. Is there a significant difference in the leaf sizes of the plants in the soil setup and in the hydroponics set-up?
C. Objectives of the Study
The main objective was to determine if there is a difference between the growth
characteristics of plants grown in soil and plants grown in a hydroponics medium. The
specific objectives are:
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1. to determine if there is a difference in the heights of the plants;
2. to determine if there is a difference in the time of appearance of the first
true leaves of the plants;
3. to determine if there is a difference in the number of true leaves upon the
end of the 6-week observation period;
4. and to determine if there is a difference in the sizes of the largest leaves of
the plants grown using hydroponics and using soil.
D. Hypotheses of the Study
1. Plants grown in hydroponics show no significant difference in growth
rates compared to those grown in soil.
2. There is no significant difference in the growth characteristics, such as
height, between plants grown in soil and in a hydroponics medium.
3. There is no significant difference in the times of appearance of the true
leaves.
4. There is no significant difference in the number of true leaves upon
harvest
5. There is no significant difference in the sizes of the largest true leaves in
soil-grown plants and hydroponically grown plants
E. Significance of the Study
The results of the study could suggest a more efficient way of agriculture with
regards to growth characteristics and cost effectiveness. Land suitable for farming is
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becoming a scarcity and if hydroponics would be used on a larger scale then this problem
would be solved. The results of this study may be a basis of the Department of
Agriculture in implementing the usage of hydroponics as a means of planting in the
Philippines which can be another source for the supply of produce for the growing
population.
The factor of hot climate unsuitable for farming may be disregarded since
hydroponics can be done indoors in a controlled environment. This in turn will allow the
farmers to continue production even during the dry season of El Niño and even provide
additional income for the farmers since they will even be able to grow fruits, vegetables
and flowers which are not in season. Similarly, during the typhoon season, the plants will
be less exposed to the strong winds and heavy rainfall indoors. Hydroponically grown
plants are also less susceptible to pests therefore minimizing the need to use insecticides
and other harmful, poisonous chemicals.
Consumers can also benefit from this because they have access to plants which
are not in season and because of the greater nutritive value of the product. Although the
larger the plant, the more costly it is, but when this is done in a larger scale, it may
provide a means to create a larger supply which can support the demand and therefore
make the price lower, considering the plants will grow at a faster rate with better
qualities. A common fear regarding the purchase of farm produce is the chemical
contents from insecticides. The need for insecticides is lessened and therefore will reduce
the risk of ingestion of harmful chemicals through the food.
Even the average homeowner who can use hydroponic media to home-grow
plants may benefit from hydroponics. Several plants can be grown easily using different
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hydroponic media and these may be sold or simply used for personal purposes. A yearround supply of home-grown and even out of season plants may result from home
hydroponics. Especially in the case of those who live in urban areas where growing a
traditional garden would be impossible, through hydroponics, a soilless garden that does
not take up much space may be created in the comfort of one’s own living room.
F. Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focused mainly on the height, number of true leaves at the end of a sixweek observation period, time of first appearance of true leaf, and leaf sizes of the plants
after the six-week observation period. Only thirty seedlings of Pechay were used. Fifteen
seedlings were grown in soil and the other fifteen seedlings were exposed to the
hydroponic nutrient solution using the ebb and flow method. A limitation to the
researchers was the acquisition of the specific type of fertilizer to be used for the
hydroponics set-up. Although many plants can be used in the experiment, Pechay
(Brassica rapa) was used because it grows fast and will meet the deadline for the
experiment. The experiment was done in the garden of the house of the researchers
within the school year of 2010-2011.
G. Definition of Terms
Hydroponics
The cultivation of plants by placing the
roots in liquid nutrient solutions rather
than in soil. This is the planting technique
to be used in the experiment and
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compared to the traditional soil method.
Soil Medium
The ground as producing vegetation or as
cultivated for its crops. This will be one
of the growing media for the growth of
the plant and its produce will be
compared to the hydroponics method.
Pechay (Brassica rapa)
Widely cultivated plant having a large
fleshy edible white or yellow root. This
was the plant subjected to the two
growing media in the experimentation.
Growth
The physical
changes that can be
measured or observed during the course
of the experiment.
Height
The measurement of the length of the
plant in millimetres noted weekly.
True Leaves
The first hardy leaves, usually the second
pair, on the new plant. These were the
leaves which were noted in terms of
terms of appearance and total number.
Leaf Size
The measurement of the largest leaf of
each sample which were measured along
the midrib – from the tip of the leaf until
the petiole. (Refer to Figure 11)
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CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Plants are living organisms belonging to Kingdom Plantae and these include trees,
herbs, shrubs, moss, green algae, etc. Plants are autotrophs, which mean they make their
own food. Green plants, sometimes called mataphytes or viridiplantae, produce their food
with the use of sunlight in a process called photosynthesis. (Enger & Ross, 2004)
In order for plants to make food, not only sunlight, but other necessary nutrients
must also be provided and this is why most plants are grown in soil. Soil contains
elements which are required in large amounts, called macronutrients, which are primarily
nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, carbon, oxygen and water.
Elements required in
smaller amounts, like magnesium, molybdenum and iron, called micronutrients, are also
present in the soil; these function as coenzymes for the plant’s metabolic activities.
(Campbell, 2000)
As early as 1800, chemists and plant biologists had analyzed plants and
demonstrated that certain chemical elements were absorbed from the environment. It was
established in the mid-1880s that at least ten of these chemicals – carbon, hydrogen,
oxygen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur and iron - are
necessary for plant growth and the absence of any may lead to characteristic
abnormalities and growth deficiencies in the plants. During the 1900s, zinc, copper,
chlorine, boron and molybdenum were added to the list of essential nutrients for plant
growth. (Biology of Plants, 1986)
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Unfortunately, not all areas are suitable for planting due to the fact that the land is
either not fertile or is converted to industrial sites because of modernization. With the
growing population, it is hard to keep a balanced ratio of the amount of available food
available to the number of people because of the said problem. (Encarta, 2008) Also, due
to lack of areas for planting in urban areas, considering most places are cemented, people
who wish to grow their own fruits and vegetables to save time and effort in buying these
are unable to do so. A solution to this is using the method of planting called hydroponics.
(Guevarra, 2003) This method was associated with the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and
the chinampas or floating gardens of the Aztecs. (World History Micropedia, 1999)
Today, it is a method some entrepreneurs and plant hobbyists use to grow plants indoors
or in urban areas all year round.
Hydroponics is the science of growing plants without soil. It involves growing
plants on an inert material such as sand, gravel or stone which is continuously bathed in a
nutrient-rich solution. In using hydroponics, factors such as temperature, light exposure,
air exposure and pH levels and time exposed to nutrients may be controlled easily, but
must also be kept at a balanced level. (What is Hydroponics?, 2003)
The nutritional requirements for plants grown hydroponically are similar to those
grown in soil mediums. Because of this, the nutrient solution used for hydroponic
gardens must contain macronutrients and trace elements found in fertile soil to ensure
proper plant growth. Aside from nutrients, other factors which play a role in plant growth
such as temperature, exposure to air and sunlight, and soil pH must be kept balanced.
(Harris, 1989) Through years of research determining which elements and their
combinations affect plant growth, scientists discovered the first hydroponics formulas.
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This allowed for greater control over plant nutrition and therefore increased production.
(General Hydroponics, 2008)
In hydroponics, the plants are subjected to a solution containing the necessary
nutrients for plant growth. The main elements needed in a hydroponics solution are
similar to those needed when growing in soil since it is only the media that vary, not the
necessities of the plant. The primary elements are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
There are also micronutrients but these are not as important as the primary elements
needed. During the experimentation, the ebb and flow method will be applied in growing
the plants via hydroponics. Generally, in the ebb and flow system, the plants are placed
inside a container with holes at the bottom which contains a growing medium, such as
pebbles, to hold the roots in place and the plant in an upright position. Based on a timed
schedule, these containers are then filled with the nutrient solution, just enough to
submerge the roots and then after some time, the nutrient solution is drained, thus the
purpose of the holes at the bottom of the container. (Indoor Gardening Guide, 2005)
The appearance of the first true leaves of a plant signals the end of the seedling
phase and the beginning of the maturation. At this stage, the plant stops relying on the
energy reserves of the cotyledon and actively photosynthesizes to produce its own food.
This will allow the plant to grow bigger since it is able to acquire a greater amount of
energy and nutrients from its environment. The earlier the appearance of the true leaves,
the earlier the plant is actively photosynthesizing, which suggests that the plant can
mature faster. (Iannotti, 2004)
One can grow several earth-bound plants via hydroponics. Some of the plants
which can be grown are lettuce, pechay, cabbage, mustard, some herbs and some
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flowering plants which require only a small amount of space. (Hydroponics Notebook,
2007) Pechay or Brassica rapa (belonging to the Chinensis group) is a leafy, shallowrooted, cool-season crop but can stand higher temperatures given it is exposed to enough
moisture. (Kelley, 1999) Growth of this plant is satisfactory given that its growing
medium contains sufficient nitrogen, and potassium. In about six to eight weeks, they are
mature and ready for harvest. (Pechay Research Technology, 2005) A fast growing nonheading variety that produces clusters of 8 to 12 crisp white stalks with large nearly
round smooth glossy green leaves. It has a pleasant mildly pungent taste. Pechay is a
hardy cool weather plant with a relative maturity of 45 to 60 days. (Condor Seeds
Production, 2007)
A study done in Brazil made use of seed potatoes. Results show that hydroponic
techniques are much more efficient than the more traditional methods of cultivation of
seed potatoes. It was also noted that the plants subjected to hydroponic conditions tend to
grow rapidly and need firm support. (Corrêa, 2009)
The utilization of this method allows the grower to have a year-round supply of
different kinds of plants which also allows several harvests during the year, depending on
the growth cycle of the crop. A common concern of consumers is the amount of
chemicals their food contains; hydroponically-grown plants are more pest-resistant so
there is no longer a need to use pesticides. It can be practiced anywehere, including
places where ordinary gardening seems impossible. Countries with non-arable land, such
as Israel, use hydroponics to grow food. An example of the application of hydroponics
was during the World War II when this method was used to grow food for the soldiers
stationed in the Pacific Islands. In some places like the Caribbean, in order to support the
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local supply of fruits and vegetables, especially during the tourist season, people there
grow food hydroponically. Some countries also use hydroponics to grow flowers and
vegetables for the whole year to be sold in the urban markets. (Resh, 1987)
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
A. Research Design
This is a comparative study on which is the best treatment for powdery
mildew on plants: baking soda, vinegar, or garlic. Leaves of an atis tree will
be used because it abundant in Iligan City and is very prone to aphids. To be
able to identify which treatment is the best, the researchers will experiment on
the rate of disappearances of aphids on atis leaves and on the length of time
needed to make the pests disappear.
B. Materials/Equipment
Materials:
Equipment:
Vinegar
Blender
Garlic
Digital Camera
Baking Soda
9 Atis leaves that are infected with aphids
Liquid dish soap
Tap water
9 Containers for the treatments
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C. General Procedure
Collection of Materials
Native garlic, baking soda, cane vinegar and the liquid dish soap was
bought at Iligan City Gaisano Mall during the school year of 2011-2012. The
leaves of atis tree that is infected with aphids was from Purok Mauswagon-B,
Barangay Sta. Filomena, I.C. and was collected during the 4th week of December
2011.
Preparation of the treatments
i.
Garlic Spray
The two cloves of garlic (How to make garlic
garden spray to repel aphids, 2011) was put in the
blender together with the liquid dish soap and two
cups of tap water and hit on to high mode until the
ingredients were mixed. The finished product was then
put in a container and was stored overnight. The same
process was repeated for one clove of garlic and ½
clove of garlic
ii.
Vinegar Spray
One ounce (John H. ,2002) of vinegar was put
in a bowl together with one cup of tap water.
The solution was stirred for 30 seconds and
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was put into a container. The same process was
made for the ½ ounce of vinegar and ¼ ounce
of vinegar.
iii.
Baking Soda Spray
One teaspoon of baking soda (A. Bond , 2005)
was mixed with one litre of tap water. The
solution
was
stirred
until
the
baking soda
dissolved in water. The same process was done
for the ½ teaspoon of baking soda and for the
¼ teaspoon of baking soda.
Experiment
The nine atis leaves were pictured and then measured the aphids on the
leaves using the view-gridlines feature of the software program paint. The
leaves was then sprayed with the nine different treatments. It was left at a
covered room.
Plant #
Plant 1
Plant2
Plant3
Plant4
Plant5
Plant6
Measure of aphids on the leaves
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Plant7
Plant8
Plant9
Table 3.1 Measure of the area of aphids before and after the experiment
Plant #
Concentration of treatments
Plant 1
Garlic spray with two clove
Plant2
Garlic spray with one clove
Plant3
Garlic spray with 1/2 clove
Plant4
Baking soda spray one teaspoon of
baking soda
Plant5
Baking soda spray 1/2 teaspoon of
baking soda
Plant6
Baking soda spray 1/4 teaspoon of
baking soda
Plant7
Vinegar spray with one ounce of
vinegar
Plant8
Vinegar spray with 1/2 ounce of
vinegar
Plant9
Vinegar spray with 1/4 ounce of
vinegar
Table 3.2 Plant # and their corresponding treatments
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Gathering of data
For one week, the leaves will be pictured every day. At the end of the
experiment, the leaves will be measured using view-gridlines feature of the
software program paint. To determine which treatment is the best, the
researchers will be using ANOVA. The researchers will first determine which
concentration is the best among the different treatments. It will then be
compared to each other using ANOVA.
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