Quarter 2

LESSON: Produce Vegetables

Module 3: Growing seedlings

1. Classifications of vegetable crops

2. Select quality seeds
3. Prepare growing media and sow seeds
4. Care and management of seedlings

Pictures - courtesyof Jones Rural School, Jones, Isabela

Content Standard Performance Standards

The learner demonstrates The learner independently grows

understanding in growing seedlings. seedlings in accordance with the
standard procedures specified in the
Vegetable Production Manual (VPM).

Courtesy to
Introduction

This module shall develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes in growing of
vegetable seedlings. It specifically discusses the classifications/families of vegetable
crops, select quality seeds prepare growing media and sow seeds, and care and
management of seedlings.

Classifications of Vegetable Crops

Lesson 1

Learning Competencies/Objectives

This lesson has the following learning competencies/objectives:

1. Botanical classification
2. Classification based on edible parts
3. Classification of vegetable crops according to their methods of
culture
4. Classification of vegetable crops according to their temperature or
seasonal requirements

DIAGNOSTIC/PRE-ASSESSMENT

Let us know how much you already know. By doing so, you will know what
are your weaknesses and strengths. You will determine what lesson to give more
time to study.

Directions: Read and understand very well the questions. Select the best answer by
writing only the letter in your quiz note book.

1. Which among the family of vegetable crops is commonly used as

condiments and for medicinal purposes?
a. Allium family
 b. Cucurbitaceae family
c. Cruciferaceae family
d. Solanaceae family
2. Which among the following crops do not belong to Solanaceae family?
a. Tomato
b. Eggplant
c. Ladies finger
d. Sweet pepper
3. Most of the vegetables under Cucurbitaceae family possess tendrils and
vines for crawling or climbing on a trellis. Which among the following
crops is not a cucurbit?
a. Squash
b. Snap beans
c. Bottle gourd
d. Bitter gourd
4. This family of vegetable crops is rich in protein and commonly regarded
as the “poor man’s meat”.
a. Leguminosae family
b. Cucurbitaceae family
c. Crucifereae family
d. Solanaceae family
5. This method of classification was developed by botanists for the purpose
of identifying plants and usually it is based on relationships among
different plants.
a. Botanical classification
b. Classification Based on Edible Parts
c. Classification of Vegetable Crops According to Their Methods of
Culture
d. Classification of Vegetable Crops According to Their Temperature or
Seasonal Requirements
 KNOW

Activity 1. Let me get to know you

Look at the pictures of vegetables that will be flashed on screen. Identify
them by writing their names. You are given 5 mandatory counts to identify each
picture being flashed. Write your answers in your activity notebook.
Determine the classifications of vegetables that you know. Classify the
vegetables you identified previously. Present your output to the class in three
minutes.

Reading Resources and Instructional Activities

Classifications of vegetables
According to Asuncion (1983), there are several ways of classifying
vegetables such as:

1. Botanical Classification of Vegetables

This method of classification was developed by botanists for the purpose of
identifying plants and usually it is based on relationships among different plants.

1. Monocotyledonous (Examples)
Family Name Scientific Name English Name
Grass Family – Zea mays L. Corn
Gramineae Allium sativum L. Garlic
Allium cepa L. Onion
Lily Family – Asparagus officinalis L. Asparagus
Liliaceae Allium fistulosum Green onions

2. Dicotyledonous (Examples)
Mustard Family - Brassica oleracea L. Cabbage
Cruciferae Var. Capitata L.
Brassica oleracea L. Cauliflower
Var. Botrytis L.
Brassica juncea Leaf mustrad
Brassica pekinensis Pechay
Raphanus sativus Raddish
Pea Family – Dolichos lablab Egyptian bean “batao"
Leguminoseae Phaseolus vulgaris Snap beans “habichuelas”
Vigna sinensis Cowpea “paayap”
Sesbania grandiflora Sesban “katuray”
Phaseolus lunatus Lima bean “patani”
Pachyrrhizus erosus Yam bean “sincamas”
Nightshade Family – Solanum melongena L. Eggplant
Solanaceae Lycopersicon esculentum Tomato
Capsicum frutescene Sweet pepper
Capsicum annum Pepper
Solanum tuberosum Potato
Gourd Family – Cucumis melo Common muskmelon
Cucurbitaceae Cucumis sativus Cucumber
Cucurbita maxima Squash
Momordica charantia Bitter gourd “ampalaya”
Spaghetti sqauash “Upo”
Leganaria siceraria Vegetable gourd “patolang
tagalog”
Sponge gourd “patola”
Luffa acutangula Wax gourd “condol
Luffa cylindrica

Benincasa hispida
Morning glory Family Ipomea batatas Sweet potato “camote”
Convolvulaceae Swamp cabbage “kangkong”
Ipomea aquatica
Parsley Family – Daucus carota L Carrot
umbelliferae Apium graveolens L. Celery
Pastinaca saiva L. parsnip

According to INGO (2005), the classifications of vegetableare:

  FamilyAlliaceae
 Family Brassicaceae
 Family Cucurbitaceae
 Family Leguminosae
 Family Solanaceae

The Allium Family

INGO (2005) states that Family

Alliaceae or alliums are noxious bulbous perennials with grass-like leaves. Bulbs
consist of a short, thick stem axis (basal plate) with a growing point surrounded
by fleshy scale leaves. Short, fibrous roots develop from the bottom of the basal
plate. Soft and hard-coated bulblets are produced in the axils of the scale leaves.
Examples of the alliums are garlic and onions.
Anonymous (2011) reported that onion (Allium cepa L.) is arguably the most
important cooking ingredient in the world. It is grown throughout the world for its
pungent bulbs and flavorful leaves. Because of its sharp taste and pungent
aroma, onions are much sought after a
seasoning for meat, fish and vegetable
dishes. On the other hand, onions have
also medicinal properties and used as cure
for cough, insomnia, hemorrhoid, and Picture courtesy of Jones Rural School, Jones, Isabela
constipation.
Garlic (Allium sativumL.) is referred to
Picture- courtesy of Jones Rural School, Jones, Isabela
as the king of all spices. It is a pungent
bulb that is one of the most important
cooking ingredients in the world.
In the Philippines, garlic is considered as a key commercial crop with great
potential for export. Garlic is used extensively as food, condiment, and for
medicinal purposes. It is a good source of calcium, phosphorous, and potassium.
 Its leaves are rich sources of vitamins A and C. It also contains allicin, an
antibacterial compound that slows down the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
It is often used in folk medicine to treat wounds, toothache, sore throat, and
fungal skin diseases like athlete’s foot and ringworm.
The Brassicaceae Family
The Brassicaceae or Mustard Family is a large natural or major economic
importance containing a diverse variety of crop plants grown for salads, vegetables,
condiments, and ornamentals. INGO (2005), discusses the two classifications of
vegetable crops belonging to this family: the Cole crops where the cabbage,
cauliflower, broccoli, kale, collard, mustard, Chinese cabbage, kohlrabi, and brussel
sprouts belong, and the root crops where turnip and radish belong.
This family of plants has a wide variety of economic uses, most importantly as
a vegetable crop. Many cruciferous crops are used as condiments and garnishes
such as mustard and lettuce. Important crops are propagated by seeds while the
minor crops such as watercress, horseradish and sea kale are vegetative
propagated.

Cabbage Brocolli Pechay Lettuce

Pictures - courtesy of Jones Rural School, Jones, Isabela

The Family Cucurbitaceae

 The Cucurbitaceae, commonly known as the gourd or melon family, includes a number of popular and
important vegetables. The most commonly known cucurbitaceous are watermelon, summer squash, and
pumpkin. Among minor crops are citron, gherkin, and chayote.

Ampalaya (Momordicacharantia) also known as

amargoso orbitter gourd is a tropical and sub-
tropicalvine of the cucurbitaceaefamily. This is one of
the most popular and versatile vegetable plants which
caught the attention of health scientists worldwide due
to its medicinal properties

Picture - Courtesy Jones Rural School, Jones,

Isabela
In the Philippines, ampalaya fruits, shoots, and leaves are eaten boiled,
sautéed, or pickled. This vegetable is rich in vitamin A (shoots and leaves) and
vitamin c, iron, and calcium from the fruits.
Cucurbitaceous crops are mostly prostrate or climbing herbaceous annuals
comprising about 90 genera and 700 species according to INGO. Other commonly
grown cucurbitaceous crops are bottle gourd (upo) and dishrag gourd (patola).

Bottle gourd Sponge gourd Chayote

Pictures - courtesy of Jones Rural School, Jones, Isabela

The Family Leguminosae
The Family Leguminoseae is one of the largest and most useful plant families
with 17,000 species distributed almost throughout the world, as reported by INGO
(2005). It includes many well-known vegetables particularly of temperate regions
( beans and peas), ornamental trees in tropical regions (Bauhinia, Flamboyant,
Cassia), fodder crops (Clover, Lucerne) and weeds (Vetches and Trefolis), and their
growth habits vary from ground cover and aquatic to shrubs, climbers and trees.

Pole
sitaoMongo
Courtesy of Jones Rural School, Jones, Isabela

The Solanaceae Family

Tomato Eggplant

Pictures - courtesy of Jones Rural School, Jones, Isabela

The term solanaceous crops generally refers to plants in the nightshade family,
Solanaceae, within theGenera Capsicum (peppers), Lycopersicon (tomato), and
Solanum (eggplant and potato). When referring to fruiting vegetables, all of the
above except potato, a root/tuber crop, are included.
http://www.ent.uga.edu/veg/solanaceous.htm
 Members of the family are
characterized by solitary or clustered
flowers with sepals and petals, five in
number and fused; five stamens; and a
superior ovary (i.e., one situated above
the attachment point of the
other flower parts), composed of two
fused carpels (ovule-bearing
segments) and obliquely placed in the flower upon a basal disk of tissue. The style
(upper end of the ovary) is simple and bears a Figure 1lobed stigma, the pollen-
receptive surface. The flowers are usually conspicuous and are visited by
insects.http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/552838/Solanaceae

The tomatoes, on the other hand, contain very good levels of vitamin A, and
flavonoid anti-oxidants such as α and ß-carotenes, xanthins, and lutein. Altogether,
these pigment compounds are found to have antioxidant properties and take part in
vision, maintain healthy mucus membranes and skin, and bone health. Consumption
of natural vegetables and fruits rich in flavonoids is known to help protect from lung
and oral cavity cancers. Additionally, they are also good sources of
antioxidant vitamin-C and (provide 21% of recommended daily levels per 100 g).
Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against
infectious agents and scavenge harmful free radicals.

Fresh tomato is very rich in potassium. 100 g contains 237 mg of potassium and
just 5 mg of sodium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids
that helps control heart rate and blood pressure caused by sodium.

Furthermore, they contain moderate levels of vital B-complex vitamins such as

folates, thiamin, niacin, and riboflavin as well some essential minerals like iron,
calcium, manganese, and other trace elements . http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/tomato.html
2. Classification of Vegetable Crops According to Their Methods of Culture

Plants may be classified according to their methods of culture. Plants belonging

to this type may be classified according to their basic cultural requirements:

1. Root vegetables – The underground parts of these vegetables

are eaten. Examples are sweet potato, Irish potato, radish, carrots, onions,
garlic, and turnips.
2. Fruit Vegetables – The fruits and/or seeds of these vegetables
are eaten. Examples: corn, beans, eggplant, pepper, tomato, mongo,
soybeans, cowpea, okra, cucumber, chayote, wax gourd, and squash.
3. Salad Crops – The leaves of these vegetables are eaten fresh.
Included in this group are lettuce, celery, parsley, watercress, and endive.
4. Cole Crops – Vegetables belonging to this group are closely
related. Examples: Chinese cabbage, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and
Brussels.
5. Spinach and other Greens (Potherbs) – These vegetables are
among the oldest of the vegetable garden plants grown for their leaves.
Examples: spinach, mustard, kale, collard, and chard.

3. Classification of Vegetable Crops According to Their Temperature or

Seasonal Requirements.

1. Cool Season Crops

a. Leaf – lettuce, spinach, cabbage, pechay, mustard, celery, onions,

and kale.
b. Stem – sweet potato, kangkong, and asparagus
c. Root – radish, beet, carrot, turnip, and parsnip

2. Warm Season crops

a. Fruit – tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, squash, bitter gourd,

 chayote, snake gourd, okra, and pepper
b. Root – taro, sweet potato, yam bean, tugi, and ubi
c. Fruits and seeds – bush beans, cowpea, mongo, soybeans, lima
bean, and string beans.

4. Classification Based on Edible Parts

1. Leaf and Stem – Vegetables belonging to this type of classification are

usually grown for their leaves and stems. Examples are bamboo
shoots, spinach, Chinese cabbage, amargoso, sprouted mongo,
swamp cabbage, kangkong, tender fern, saluyot, malunggay, green
onions, lettuce, and squash.
2. Leaves and Fruits – hot pepper, bitter gourd, cowpea, and chayote
3. Leaves, Flowers, and Fruits – squash and malunggay,
4. Fruits, Pods, and Seeds – bread fruit, rimas, bitter gourd, chayote,
eggplant, jackfruit, batao, okra, garden, and pea

PROCESS

Activity 2

Go to your original grouping.

1. Write as many vegetables that you know and agree among

yourselves the classification of these vegetables.
2. Classify the vegetables you identified previously in Activity 1.
Present your output to class in three minutes.

3. Write the classification of vegetables in the left boxes and

examples of plants beside the boxes. Present your ideas
following the chart below in 3 minutes.
 REFLECT AND
UNDERSTAND

Activity 3. Think – Pair – Share strategy

1. Get your partner. Visit your vegetable garden. See how the vegetables
are arranged. Make a vegetable garden plan where all the
classifications of vegetable plants will be presented.

TRANSFER

Activity 4

To show a mastery of the lesson on the classifications of vegetable crops,

prepare one piece of flat galvanized iron or wood measuring 7cm X 26cm for you
to write the scientific name of the vegetables present in your school vegetable
garden. Your material must be painted with white and the letters in black. Follow
the sample below.

CN – Eggplant
SN – Solanum melongena

This will be erected beside the eggplants

Quarter 3

LESSON: Produce Vegetables

Module 3: Growing seedlings

Content Standard Performance Standards

The learner demonstrates The learner independently selects

understanding in selecting quality quality seeds in accordance with the
seeds. standard procedures specified in the
Vegetable Production Manual (VPM).

Selecting quality seeds

Lesson 2

Introduction

This lesson deals with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes in selecting quality
vegetable seeds to plant.

Learning Competencies/Objectives

This lesson has the following learning competencies/objectives:

1. Characteristics of good seeds

2. Seed testing
3. Percentage germination of seeds

DIAGNOSTIC/PRE-ASSESSMENT

A. Multiple Choice. Direction: Read and understand very well the questions. Select
the best answer by writing only the letter in your test note book.
1. Almost all parts of the plant can be used as planting materials. What is that part of
the plant that develops into a young plant through the process of germination
whose primary function is for reproduction?

a. Leaf
b. Seed
c. Stem
d. Root
2. Seeds for planting purposes must be of good quality to obtain quality seedlings
and quality and quantity produce. Which is not a characteristic of quality seeds?
a. Viable
b. Immature
c. True-to-type
d. Free from seed-borne diseases and impurities
3. It is important to test the viability of the seeds before planting them in the field.
Which is not true about seed testing?
a. Find out the percentage of germination of the seeds.
b. Determine whether or not the seeds are viable, clean, and true-to-type.
c. Seed testing does not economize labor and expenses in replanting.
d. Determine the amount of seeds/seedlings needed to plant a certain
area.
4. Growing seedlings requires patience and extra care. Vegetable seeds for
transplanting purposes could be grown using different materials. Which are
recycled materials for growing seedlings?
a. Seed beds
b. Seed trays
c. Seed boxes
d. Used plastic cups/tin cans
5. You need to test the seeds for planting to attain good results. Which is not a
method of seed testing?
a. Winnowing
 b. Floating in water
c. Breaking the seed coat
d. Using better storage facilities
B. Compute for the percentage germination of the seed. ( 5 points)
Problem: Mr. Cruz received free seeds of tomato from a friend who
is a vegetable grower in his community. To determine if the seeds are viable,
he sowed 50 seeds using a 50-hole-seed tray. After a week he found out that
only 40 seeds germinated. What is the percentage germination of the tomato
seeds he tested?

Reading Resources and Instructional Activities

Select quality seeds

A seed is a fertilized and ripened ovule which may develop into a plant by
germination. Its primary function is for reproduction. Because of this, the vegetable
grower must be knowledgeable about seeds specially for planting purposes. He
must be familiar with the characteristics of good quality seeds such as being:

 Viable which is the ability of the seed to germinate and continue its growth
and development until the reserved food has been consumed by the young
plant.
 Clean when there are no impurities or mixtures of any kind.
 Free from seed-borne diseases
 Free from damages
 Matured and plum
 True–to-type which means it carries the characteristics of the mother plant.
Securing Seeds
 Usually local vegetable growers plant vegetable seeds that come their way
without realizing where they come from. This is also true of schools and parents at
home who have interests in planting.

According to Calacala (1977), there are two ways of securing the seeds to
be planted:

1. Seeds can be bought from seed stores in the locality or ordered from reliable
seed producers.
2. Seeds can also be produced by farmers themselves for open pollinated
crops.
In securing seeds to plant one must consider the quality of the product and
make sure that the seeds are adapted to the locality. It would be a waste of time if
one would plant seeds that are of low quality, not viable, or not adapted to the place.

In the early years local vegetable growers used to produce their own seed
stocks to plant because of reasons such as:

 A supply of seeds is always made available.

 A higher percentage of germination is assured.
 Knowledge of the performance of the plant is present.
 An improvement of quality and quantity of the produce is possible

However, there are also disadvantages of producing your own seeds.

Ordinary farmers may not possess the qualities needed to produce good seeds.
Some of the disadvantages are:

 Seed growing is an exacting work.

 It competes with the normal work in the nursery.
 It calls for knowledge of the principles of plant breeding.
 It calls for keen observation.
Before seeds are sown or planted in the field they must be tested to determine if
these are viable, clean, true-to-type, disease free, and others. By doing such, the
grower will not entail losses in agricultural inputs, time, and energy.
Seed testing is the operation involved to determine whether or not the seeds
are viable, clean, true-to-type, and to find out the percentage of germination of
seeds. This is performed to find out the amount of seeds/seedlings to plant in a
given area. In that case, sowing the right amount of seeds will economize labor and
expenses in re-planting.

Methods of Seed Testing

There are several ways to test seeds. These methods have been practiced by
local farmers and other crop growers according to Calacala (1977).

 Breaking the seed coat. This method is practiced with seeds that have a
hard seed coat which impermeable to water and oxygen.

 Winnowing. Seeds are placed in a shallow woven basket or “bilao” to

winnow the seeds. All seeds being blown away are empty and are not viable.
Those that remain in the “bilao” are good seeds.

 Germination test. This may be done in seedbeds, seed boxes, seed trays,
petri dishes, recycled materials, polyethylene bags or in a piece of cloth
(ragdoll method).

Ragdoll
Petri dish
Seed box

Polyethylene bags Recycled plastic cups Seed trays

 Pictures – courtesy of Jones Rural School, Jones, Isabela

 Floating in water. According to INGO (2005), seeds usually contain an

embryo inside and some food reserves to provide the energy for germination.
When seeds are placed in water, it could be observed of that some of the
seeds sink and some float. Seeds that sink have a higher germination rate. It
can be expected that the floating seed is not filled well and may not germinate
as readily as the sinking seed. Seeds that sank are expected to have higher
germination rate than those that float in water because they physiologically
matured and with a complete endosperm. Seeds that float are normally
immature, infertile, or no complete endosperm or embryo

Seed Germination

Germination in its simplest definition is the development of the seed into a

young plant or seedling. Prior to any visual signs of growth, the seeds must absorb
water through the seed coat and micropyle. In addition, the seeds must be in their
proper environmental conditions and is exposed to oxygen, favorable temperature,
proper amount of moisture, and correct amount of light. The suitability of the soil
should also be considered.
When the seed germinates, the radicle is the first part to emerge. It will
develop into the primary root from which root hairs and lateral roots will develop. It
will establish itself well in the ground before the other parts of the embryo emerge
above the surface of the soil so that the seedlings may not be easily dislodged from
its position and the parts which are soon to be exposed to the drying influence of the
sun and wind and may continually be supplied with water from the soil.

The portion of the seedling between the radicle and the first leaf-like part
(plumule), are attached to a structure called the hypocotyl which becomes the stem.
The seed leaves and cotyledons encase the embryo and are usually different in
shape from the leaves that the mature plant will produce.
 In some cases, when seeds sown fail to germinate, the following maybe the
reasons according to Calacala (1977):

 The seeds are in their dormant stage.

 The seed coat is thick and hard.
 The seeds are immature.
 The seeds have dead embryo.
 The ground is too dry
 The weather is too cold

In order for the seeds to germinate apply special treatment to hasten their
germination. The methods maybe traditional but somehow effective. Treat the seeds
using the following techniques:

 Break, crack, or scarify the seed coat especially seeds having hard and thick
seed coat to allow the entrance of water and oxygen.
 Apply a little heat to activate the dormant seed (hot water treatment). This is
done by dipping seeds in boiling water for an instant. Avoid over heating so
as not to kill the embryo.
 Employ better storage facilities. The death of the seed embryo due to faulty
storage facilities may be prevented by improving the facilities where seeds
are kept until planting time.
Determining the Percentage Germination of Seeds

Based on the Lecture Notes in Agronomy 11 (NVSIT), there are rules in

computing for the percentage of germinating seeds.

Rule 1: If you test 100 seeds, the number of seeds germinated equals the
percentage germination of the seeds.

Example: You tested 100 seeds of eggplant using the rag doll method, 85 seeds
germinated. The percentage germination of the seeds then is 85%.

Rule 2. If you test less than or more than 100 seeds use the formula below in
computing the percentage germination of the seeds.
Example: Mr. X tested 125 seeds of hybrid tomato and 105 germinated. What is the
percentage germination of the tomato seeds?

No. of seeds ger min ated

% Germination = no. of seeds tested X 100
105
= 125 X 100
%G = 84

Rule 3. If you found out that the percentage germination of your seeds is below 80,
you need to adjust your seed bulk. Use the formula below in adjusting the seed
bulk.

amount of seeds needed

Adjusted amount of seed = % ger min ation X 100
Example:

You needed 200 seedlings to plant your garden. You found out that your
seeds have only 75 % germination. How many seeds will you sow?

Let: X = the number of seeds to sow or your adjusted seeds

amount of seeds needed

Adjusted amount of seed = % ger min ation x 100
200
X = 75 x 100
X = 266.6 or 267 seeds

PROCESS

Activity 2
 Interview a vegetable grower or an agriculturist in your community about the
following:

1. What are the characteristics of good seeds?

2. What are the sources of seeds for planting purposes?
3. Are the seeds being sold in the market viable?
4. Why is it necessary to test the viability of seeds before planting?
5. What is the importance of knowing the percentage germination of the seeds?

REFLECT AND
UNDERSTAND

Activity 3

A. With the use of the fish bone diagram, input ideas as follows:
1. Upper fins – write the characteristics of quality seeds
2. Lower fins – write the methods of seed testing
3. Head – effect of planting quality seeds

Place your illustration in one whole cartolina to make your work readable.

B. Mr. Cruz tested 75 seeds of tomato which he took from the school seed
bank. He found out that only 53 seeds germinated. What is the percentage
germination of the tomato seeds? Is there a need for Mr. Cruz to adjust
his seed bulk? Why? Why not? If there is a need to adjust, then compute
for the adjusted seed bulk.
 C. What happens if you planted a wide area with seeds that are not viable
because you failed to test their viability?

TRANSFER

Activity 4

Have you ever tried any of the methods of seed testing? If not, then let us try some
of the methods. Go to your own groups and draw your task to perform.

Task 1 – seed testing with the use of petri dish

Task 2 - ragdoll method of seed testing

Task 3 - use a seed box in germinating the seeds.

After the seeds have germinated, determine the percentage germination of

the seeds you sown or tested.

Quarter 3

LESSON: Produce Vegetables

Module 3: Growing seedlings

Content Standard Performance Standards

The learner demonstrates The learner independently prepares

understanding in preparing the growing media and sows seeds in
growing media. accordance with the standard
procedures specified in the Vegetable
Production Manual (VPM).

Preparing Growing Media and Sowing of

Lesson 3 Seeds
Introduction

This lesson deals with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes in preparing
growing media and sowing of seeds.

Learning Competencies/Objectives

This lesson has the following learning competencies/objectives:

1. Components of the growing media

2. Soil sterilization
3. Sowing seeds

DIAGNOSTIC/PRE-ASSESSMENT

Direction:

A. Read and understand very well the questions. Select the best answer by
writing only the letter in your test note book.
1. Which is not a part of the process for preparing the growing media?

a. Thoroughly mix the components.

b. Gather the components of equal amount.
c. Collect any available materials as your growing media.
d. Sterilize the media to suppress soil-borne diseases.
2. We sterilize the soil to ensure that the production of seedlings is free from any
soil-borne diseases. Which of the following methods of soil sterilization is not
environment friendly?
a. Solarization
b. Biofumigation
c. Chemical treatment
d. Pouring boiling water on to the soil
3. Which of the following is not true about raising seedlings in trays?
a. It produces less seeds and promotes uniform growth of superior
seedlings.
b. It minimizes transplanting shock and lowers seedlings mortality.
c. It saves on labor for thinning, weeding, and watering.
d. It allows frequent cultivation and pest management.
4. Which one is not a benefit of growing media?
a. It achieves high porosity.
b. Water retention is improved.
c. It provides adequate aeration.
d. It influences the growth of microorganisms.
5. Which of the following are the most common methods of sterilizing the soil?
a. Biofumigation and solarization
b. Chemical and biofumigation
c. Solarization and pouring boiling water
d. Chemical method and pouring boiling water

B. What are the steps in sowing of seeds?

KNOW
 Activity 1

h
c
t
m
o
g
e
s
p
in
w
r
d
1. Have you ever heard about the growing media?
2. If you grow your vegetable seedlings what preparations should

2.
you do?
3. Below is a chart. Copy it in your notebooks. In boxes 1, 2, 3, and 4

Reading Resources and Instructional Activities

Teachers and students observing the production

.
give the components of the growing media that you know and
describe each.

Mixing of the growing media

 of carbonized rice hull (CRH)
Courtesy of the Jones Rural School, Jones, Isabela

There are numerous factors affecting the growth of vegetable seedlings

and transplants. These are the types of growing media, water management, and
nutrient management used in the greenhouse.

“Growing media for vegetable seedlings or field transplants in greenhouses

contain a variety of soilless ingredients such as peat moss, vermiculite, perlite,
shredded coconut husks (coir dust), or composted materials plus starter nutrients
and a wetting agent. Field soils are generally unsatisfactory for the production of
plants in containers because soils do not provide the aeration, drainage and
water holding capacity required.  They also need to be sterilized to prevent the
development of diseases and germination of weed seeds”.
“Growing media are designed to achieve high porosity and water retention
while providing adequate aeration. Premixed media is common in the greenhouse
industry. Suppliers offer a diversity of mixes that are available repacked (in bags,
bales, super sacks) or in bulk. Different soil mixes are especially formulated for
propagation of specific crops or general greenhouse crops. Soilless media
purchased in bags does not have to be sterilized before use since they are
normally sterilized before packing in specific container for sale. Compost-based
mixes are also available commercially as a substitute for traditional soilless
media, especially for organic production”.  http://extension.umass.edu/floriculture/fact-
sheets/growing-vegetable-transplants-and-bedding-plants-media-nutrition-planting-culture-pest#nutrient

The best soil medium for general nursery purposes is a friable loam, rich in
humus, with a proper percentage of clay. In cases that these are not available, the
growing media can be prepared by thoroughly mixing the following components:

For loam soil

 1 part loam soil

 1 part manure or decomposed manure
 1 part decomposed rice hull
 For clay soil

 1 part clay soil

 2 parts compost or manure
 1 part decomposed rice hull/sieved sand
The Training Regulations in Horticulture states that the growing media for
vegetable production consists of:
 1 part compost
 1 part sieved sand
 1 part garden soil

 1 part rice hull/sawdust

These soil components are thoroughly mixed together and will be placed in
seed boxes, plastic bags, seed trays or germinating trays, or to the seed beds for the
production of vegetable seedlings.

To ensure the safety of seedlings from soil borne diseases, the growing
media should be sterilized to protect the seedlings from the attack of damping-off
which commonly destroy young seedlings in seed boxes or in seed beds.

Soil Sterilization

Soil sterilization should be done prior to use. According to Bautista and

Mabesa (1977), the soil mix should be sterilized before use to kill weed seeds,
insects, and numerous soil pathogens. Soil sterilization can be accomplished by
using heat or chemicals. Heat will kill any pathogen in the soil while chemicals may
be specific or non-specific. Non-specific chemicals will kill all organisms in the soil;
while specific chemicals will kill only certain pathogens.

Based on the Resource Manual on Integrated Production and Pest

Management(IPPM) in Vegetables (2005), there are several ways of sterilizing the
soil, both as a preventive measure against soil-borne diseases and as a method to
control existing diseases in the soil. There are traditional and new practices in soil
sterilization such as:

1. Burning organic materials on the soil

This is a traditional way of soil sterilization where local farmers follow. This is
done by burning organic materials above the soil.

A common method of soil sterilization is heating up the soil. The high

temperature will cause the death of many micro-organisms, including pathogens on
the top of the soil and insect pests with soil-dwelling stages such as cut worms.

2. Pouring boiling water on to the soil

This method of soil sterilization is commonly done by pouring boiling water

(100oC) on the soil to kill whatever pathogens are present in the soil then allowing
the soil to cool prior to use.

3. Solarization

Solarization as a method of soil sterilization uses the sun to heat the soil.
Solarization can control soil borne diseases, weed seeds, and some nematodes
including root-knot nematodes.

To solarize soil, the soil is covered with clear polyethylene or plastic sheets.
The best time is during the hot season, where there is plenty of sun. The sun heats
up the soil through the plastic and the plastic sheet keeps the heat inside the soil.
The sheets should be left in the field for four weeks.

4. Bio-fumigation

Soil borne pests and pathogens can be suppressed by chemical compounds

that are released during decomposition of certain crops. This is called bio-
fumigation. The chemical compounds that kill or suppress pathogens are principally
isothiocyanates. Those crops with bio-fumigation potentials are used as rotation
crop, a companion or a green manure crop.

5. Chemical treatment

Treat the soil with chemicals like Formaldehyde, 1 tablespoon per 1 gallon of
water. However, the use of chemicals is not environment-friendly because chemicals
may kill not only destructive micro-organisms, but also the beneficial ones and can
be hazardous to one’s health when inhaled.

Sowing seeds
INGO (2005), states that sowing is the most important operation in crop
production. The seed must be placed at a required depth in moist soil so as to get
the optimum condition for their germination.
Too shallow sowing results in thin germination due to inadequate soil
moisture at topsoil layer. Similarly, if the seeds are sown very deep in the soil, the
young seedlings may not be able to push their shoots above through thick soil layer.
Seeds must be sown at proper depth and should be properly covered with soil so as
to get adequate moisture for its germination.

INGO (2005), further explains that if the intention is to produce seedlings for
backyard garden, it is convenient to sow the seeds in seed boxes, plastic cups, fruit
juice containers, small polyethylene bags, or germinating trays. However, if you
intend to plant in a commercial scale, it is logical to sow the seeds in seed beds
because one hectare of solanaceous crops requires 52,000 to 68,000 seedlings
which need 10 plots each measuring 1 X 10 square meters.

How to Grow Seedlings

To grow seedlings requires patience and extra care. Vegetable seeds vary in
sizes. Generally speaking, small size vegetable seeds are the seeds to be sown
because they are delicate ones.
 Agricultural Ventures Series 1(2011), claims that because some vegetable
seeds are so small the seeds can be easily carried away by water and even insects
like ants. Thus, it is advisable to raise seedlings in beds before transplanting them to
the field. Raising seedlings in trays requires less seeds, promotes uniform growth of
superior seedlings, minimizes transplanting shock, and lowers seedlings’ mortality. It
also saves on labor for thinning, weeding, watering, and managing pests.

Seeds could be sown using the following materials:

 Seed trays
 Seed boxes
 Seed beds
 Individual plastic bags
 Used plastic cups/tin cans

Vegetable seedlings
Lettuce seedlings in Pechay seedlings in Pechay seedlings grown in used plastic cups
seed trays seed boxes raised in seed beds
Pictures – Courtesy of Jones Rural School, Jones, Isabela

Fill the containers with sterilized growing media and moisten a little before
seeds are sown.

Steps in Sowing Seeds in Seed Boxes and Seed Beds

INGO (2005), enumerated the different steps in sowing of seeds as follows:

1. Moisten the soil media.

2. Sow the seeds in rows or broadcast evenly and thinly.
Broadcasting is spreading seeds evenly on to the ground and
 covering the seeds subsequently with thin layer of soil. This method
of sowing is less satisfactory than sowing the seeds in rows a few
centimeters apart unless pricking is to be done. Broadcasting of
seeds, however, is not advisable because of the following reasons:
 The air circulation between the plants is not sufficient.
 Seedlings dry less quickly, and such a condition is favorable
for the growth of fungi.
 Weeds are harder to control.
 It is hard to produce stocky seedlings because the seeds are
not properly covered with soil.
3. Cover the seeds with thin layer of fine soil sufficient
enough to cover the seeds.
4. Press down firmly the whole surface of the seed box or
seed bed with a flat board to ensure a compact surface.
5. Water the seed beds/seed boxes using a sprinkler with
fine holes or water hose with fine spray.
6. Protect the seeds sown in seed beds from ants by
spraying insecticides which drive away ants. In the case of seed
boxes, let the legs of the seed boxes stand in cans filled with water
and a little petroleum to prevent the ants from reaching the seed
boxes.
7. Seed boxes should be placed under the shade and
should be provided with temporary shelter.
8. Regulate watering. Too much or too little of it may
prevent germination.

PROCESS
Activity 2.

The first activity was an exercise of the mind. Activity 2 is a skill test.

Go to your original grouping. Secure one seed tray with 50 holes. Fill the seed
tray with sterilized growing media. Go to the nursery. Locate seed beds with
vegetable seedlings then perform the following:

1. Thinning of seedlings by uprooting those which are too close with each
other and those stunted in growth.
2. Pricking of seedlings. Each member of the group must be able to prick 10
seedlings following the steps and the principles of Tender Loving Care
(TLC).
3. Acclimatize the seedlings you pricked after one week to prepare them for
transplanting.

REFLECT AND
UNDERSTAND

Activity 3.

You have already learned the composition of the growing media. In your
community, there are several ornamental nurseries that normally buy growing media
from commercial nurseries. In your place you have a lot of the materials that can be
used as components of the growing media. You can even acquire these materials
for free. Why not try to produce growing media or soil mixtures for sale to nursery
owners for possible source of income? By doing this, you could help your parents
who can hardly send you to school due to financial constraints.
 TRANSFER

Activity 4. Let’s Get Physical

This time let us test your skills in producing seedlings. Again, with the same
grouping, you are going to produce your own seedlings. Take note that you have to
perform the task following the steps so that the seedlings you grow will be of good
quality. The seeds you are to sow are certified bought from reliable seed stores to
assure a high percentage of germination. These seedlings you raise will be used in
your prepared garden plots. Each group has to gather its own growing media, mix
thoroughly, and sterilize the soil ready for sowing.

Group 1 - Prepare a 1m x 1m seed plot to grow your eggplant seedlings.

Group 2 – Prepare a seed box measuring 1.0m x 0.5m x 0.2m for use in sowing
seeds of selected leafy vegetables such as pechay, mustard, lettuce,
and the like.

Group 3 – Prepare 2 seed trays with 100 holes for your tomato seeds.

Group 4 – Collect 100 pieces of used plastic cups from the canteen for you to grow
pepper seedlings.

Your performance will be rated according to the rubric below.

Rubrics in sowing of seeds

CRITERIA LEVEL 4 ( 5 LEVEL 3 ( 4 LEVEL 2 (3 LEVEL 1(1
points) points) points) point)
1. Collaborative Willingly Needs Requires No
Effort participates in encouragement to prompting to involvement
group work. participate with work with is shown.
group mates. the group.
2. Skills/Processes a. Properly a. Good use of a. Needs a. There is
a. Handling of uses materials. assistance no attempt
materials materials. b. Misses some in to handle
b. Follow steps b. Follows all steps. handling tools.
steps of tools. b. There is
correctly. b. Does not no attempt
follow the to do the
steps work.
correctly.
3. Safety Uses of PPE all UsesPersonal Requires No PPE is
Measures the time. Protective prompting to used.
Equipment (PPE) use PPE.
sometimes.
4. Use of Uses complete Fails to use 2 Fails to use No materials
materials and specific specific materials. more than are used.
materials. two specific
materials.

5. Timeliness Finishes work Finishes 75% of Finishes 50% Finishes

25% of the
before the the work. of the work.
work.
deadline.
Quarter 3

LESSON: Produce Vegetables

Module 3: Growing seedlings

Content Standard Performance Standards

The learner demonstrates The learner independently takes care

understanding in care and and manages seedlings in accordance
management of seedlings. with the standard procedures specified
in the Vegetable Production Manual
(VPM).

Lesson 4 Demonstrating care and management of

seedlings

Introduction

This lesson deals with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes in demonstrating
care and management of seedlings.

Learning Competencies/Objectives
 This lesson has the following learning competencies/objectives:

1. Pricking
2. Thinning
3. Hardening

PRE-/DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT

Lesson 4 - Demonstrating care and management of seedlings

Direction: Read and understand very well the questions. Select the best answer by
writing only the letter in your test note book.

1. Pricking is a practice in seedling production to produce uniform size of

seedlings. Which is not a practice in pricking?

a. Pricking is the transfer of seedlings to another seed box, seed

bed, or individual plastic bags.
b. Seedlings to be pricked are taken from a thinly populated seed
box or seed bed.
c. A dibble is used to separate individual seedlings in order not to
damage delicate roots.
d. Pricking is practiced when the seedlings have already two
developed true leaves.
2. Before seedlings are transplanted to their permanent places to continue
their growth and development they must be prepared to avoid stress in the
 open field. What is the practice of exposing gradually the seedlings to
sunlight to acclimatize them?

a. Thinning
b. Roguing
c. Pricking
d. Hardening
3. Which of the following is the factor which least affects the growth of
vegetable seedlings and transplants?
a. Soil requirements
b. Water requirements
c. Nutrient requirements
d. Climatic requirements
4. Which is not a practice of thinning?
a. Moisten the seed box or seed bed a few hours before thinning.
b. Throw the seedlings being pulled out or bury them into the soil.
c. Incorporate into the soil uprooted unhealthy and disease-infected
seedlings.
d. Remove the weak, unhealthy and poor-looking seedlings and press
back firmly the disturbed soil with hands immediately.
5. Which of the following should not be done in pricking?
a. Hold the seedling on their true leaves and place the root system
in the hole previously prepared in the new planting medium.
b. Set the seedlings even if the roots are curled.
c. Press the soil firmly around the roots after setting them.
d. Water the new transplants gently and thoroughly.

KNOW
Activity 1- Round Robin

1. Pass three pieces of bond paper where the 3 activities are written. Each
group must provide one idea each. The number of students per group
equals the number of solicited ideas.

Group 1 -How do animals take care of their young? How about human
beings?
Group 2 - How do we take good care of seedlings?
Group 3 - Have you raised some seedlings? How did they grow?

Care and management of seedlings

When seedlings are already growing, water them in the morning and not very late
in the afternoon. If two watering are necessary each day, they should done in the
early morning and mid-afternoon. Watering late in the afternoon causes the soil
surface to remain moist overnight, a condition favoring development of fungi causing
root diseases particularly damping-off.
 If the soil is not fertilized, a soluble fertilizer (ammonium sulfate) at the
rate of one tablespoon per gallon of water is gently drenched on the seedlings
as a starter solution. It is important that after applying the starter solution,
fresh water must be applied immediately to wash-off fertilizer residues
adhered to the foliage which may cause burning of the foliage (Bautista and
Mabesa (1977).
 Expose the seedlings to the morning sun not later than eight o’clock
everyday. The length of exposure depends upon the resistance of the
seedlings to heat. First exposure of seedlings to morning sun is one hour then
extended every day until whole day exposure. Exposure or hardening of
seedlings is done a week before transplanting to acclimatize them and to
 reduce stress during transplanting.
 Protect the seedlings from excessive heat or strong rain by placing
them under a temporary shed, in the nursery, or in the greenhouse.
 If dumping-off develops, remove immediately the infected seedlings
with the soil surrounding them. Burn the disease infected seedlings and soil to
avoid further spread of the disease. To control dumping-off, apply fungicide
on the affected areas.

Pricking of seedlings
In cases where seedlings in seed boxes or seed beds are thickly populated,
pricking must be done when the seedlings have at least two developed true
leaves. This is done by transferring individual seedling to another seed box, seed
bed, seed tray, or individual plastic bag. In pricking, use a dibbler or dibble in
taking out the healthiest looking seedlings underneath their roots while taking
care not to damage the delicate roots. Hold the seedling on their true leaves and
place the root system in the hole previously prepared in the new planting medium
without curling their roots. Then press the soil firmly around the roots. Water the
new transplants gently and thoroughly.

Students of the Jones Rural School pricking

A teacher of the Jones Rural School vegetable seedlings in polyethylyne plastic bags
pricking seedlings in seedtrays

Hardening of Seedlings
INGO (2005), explains that it is important to harden the seedlings before
transplanting them to the field. This is done by gradually exposing the seedlings one
week before transplanting. Seedlings raised under shaded areas should be exposed
to full morning sunlight for the first day. Then gradually increase the time of exposure
in full sunlight each day for a week until the seedlings could withstand full sunlight
the whole day without wilting or burning the leaves. Likewise, seedlings should also
be protected from stray animals and strong winds to prevent damage of the leaves
and stems.

Bautista and Mabesa (1977) explained that hardening can be done in several
ways and should be started 7-10 days before transplanting. One way is to expose
gradually the seedlings to full sunlight and to withhold water to make the plant wilt
temporarily but not allowing it to lapse into a state of permanent wilting. Withholding
of water slows plant growth and causes physiological and morphological changes
resulting to thicker, less succulent, and harder plant tissues, hence less water is
transpired. Another method of hardening recently employed is pre-sowing
hardening. In this method, the seeds are soaked in water and removed 6 hours
before the radicle emerged. Then they are air-dried for 48 hours before sowing.

Thinning and Rogueing

Some crops possess small seeds that are difficult to broadcast in the field.
They can be sown along a shallow drill and later on excess seedlings can be pulled
out leaving the healthy seedlings about 5 cm apart. This is called thinning.
Meanwhile, the process of pulling out disease infected or damaged seedlings is
called rogueing.

Thinning is the process of reducing the number of seedlings in the seed bed
or seed box. This should be done as follows:

 Moisten the seed box or seed bed a few hours before thinning.
 Remove the weak, unhealthy and poor-looking seedlings. Immediately
press back firmly the disturbed soil with hands.
  Throw the seedlings being pulled out or bury them into the soil.
Thinning accelerates the free circulation of air which makes the seedlings
sturdier and healthier. If the right amount or quality of seeds is sown evenly, there is
no need for thinning.

PROCESS

Activity 2.

This time you are going to do something different from your previous
activities. For the mean time you will be working alone. Compose a short poem with
two (2) stanzas about the seedlings. Select your own title.

Write your poem on one whole sheet of white bond paper and submit it to your
teacher.

REFLECT AND
UNDERSTAND

Activity 3.

Copy in your notebook the chart below. What other activities must you do to
maintain the growth of the seedlings? Write your ideas in the big box and the
reasons in the lines opposite each box.

1.
 2.

3.

4.

TRANSFER

Activity 4. Let’s Get Physical

1. In the previous activities you sowed seedlings in different ways. Observe

your seedlings. Perform care and management of seedlings like thinning,
pricking, and hardening.
2. Practice Tender Loving Care (TLC) as you perform the activities.

Summative assessment

This time let us find out how much you have learned.

Direction: Read and understand very well the questions. Select the best answer by
writing only the letter in your test note book.
1. Pricking is a practice in seedling production to produce uniform size of
seedlings. Which is not a practice in pricking?

a. Pricking is the transfer of seedlings to another seed box, seed

bed or individual plastic bags.
b. Seedlings to be pricked are taken from a thinly populated seed
box or seed bed.
c. A dibble is used to separate individual seedlings in order not to
damage delicate roots.
d. Pricking is practiced when the seedlings have already two
developed true leaves.
2. Before seedlings are transplanted to their permanent places to continue
their growth and development they must be prepared to avoid stress in the
open field. What is the practice of exposing gradually the seedlings to
sunlight to acclimatize them?
a. Thinning
b. Rogueing
c. Pricking
d. Hardening
3. Which of the following is the factor which least affects the growth of
vegetable seedlings and transplants?
a. Soil requirement
b. Water requirement
c. Nutrient requirement
d. climatic requirements
4. Which is not a practice of thinning?
a. Moisten the seed box or seed bed a few hours before thinning.
b. Throw the seedlings being pulled out or bury them into the soil.
c. Incorporate into the soil uprooted unhealthy and disease infected
seedlings.
d. Remove the weak, unhealthy, and poor-looking seedlings and
 press back firmly the disturbed soil with hands immediately.
5. Which of the following should not be done in pricking?
a. Hold the seedling on their true leaves and place the root system in
the hole previously prepared in the new planting medium.
b. Set the seedlings even if the roots are curled.
c. Press the soil firmly around the roots after setting them.
d. Water the new transplants gently and thoroughly.

Congratulations! You have successfully passed the assessment. You will

be facing more exciting and challenging activities in the next module. So get
ready.

Summary/Feedback

Vegetables play a very important role in the dietary requirements of human

beings and in the environment as well.

To produce quality seedlings, a lot of things are to be considered such as the

growing media, seed selection, seed testing, seedling management, the tools,
materials, and other facilities needed to produce them.

References

Anon. 2011. Agricultural Ventures Series 1. Volume 1: M.L. Antonio Enterprise,

Manila, Philippines.

Bautista, O. K. and R.C.Mabesa. 1977. Planting Vegetable Crops. In: Vegetable

Production. University of the Philippines at Los Banos, College of Agriculture,
College, Laguna, Philippines.

Calacala, C. 1977. Lectures Notes in Agronomy 11. Nueva Vizcaya State Institute
 Of Technology, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines.

INGO. 2005. Resource Manual on Integrated Production and Pest Management

(IPPM) in Vegetables. World Education (INGO) Philippines, Inc., 2999
National Road, Anos, Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines.

http://extension.umass.edu/floriculture/fact-sheets/growing-vegetable-transplants-
and-bedding-plants-media-nutrition-planting-culture-pest#nutrient . Retrieved
March 2, 2014.

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/tomato.html. Retrieved March 3, 2014.

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/potato.html. Retrieved March 3, 2014.