Comparative performance of irradiated and non- irradiated carrageenan-based foliar fertilizers on the growth, yield, and pest incidence of Pechay (Brassica rapa L.)

This study evaluated and compared the effects of supplementing irradiated and non-irradiated carrageenan-based foliar fertilizers with the same source, Kappaphycus alvarezii, on the growth, yield, and pest incidence of pechay (Brassica rapa L.) plants, as well as to determine their profitability. The VitalGro Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter (CPGP) and the Kappaphycus Drippings Foliar Fertilizer (KDFF) were used as the irradiated and the non-irradiated carrageenan-based foliar fertilizers, respectively. The experiment was laid out using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments: T₁ = 0 application (negative control), T₂ = Farmer’s Practice (positive control), T₃ = Farmer’s Practice + VitalGro CPGP, and T₄ = Farmer’s Practice + KD Foliar Fertilizer (KDFF), replicated four times. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data with the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) to compare differences in treatment means. Profitability was determined using cost and return analysis. Supplementation of VitalGro CPGP and KDFF exhibited comparable results in increasing the height (p = .000) and number of leaves (p =.008) of pechay plants. Various insect pests were detected throughout the experimentation, but the most damaging pest was the cabbage webworm (Crocidolomia binotalis) which was found to be highest (p = .000) in plants treated with the non-irradiated KDFF. While no pest repelling effects were observed in both the carrageenanbased foliar fertilizers, plants supplemented with VitalGro CPGP were noted to be the most tolerant and gained the highest Yield (p=.001) despite pest attack, thereby achieving the highest return of investment (ROI) at 94.86%.