Phil Veg Growing
Phil Veg Growing
Phil Veg Growing
GROWING GUIDE
ASPARAGUS
A native to temperate Europe and Western Asia, asparagus has
perennial roots, which sends up each year an erect branching stem
several feet in height. One of the most delicate, wholesome and
appetizing products of the garden, its new shoots are juicy and succulent
both for use as table vegetable and canning purpose.
Varieties:
Adaptation:
Asparagus grows best in cold places like Baguio and the Mt.Province,
and high-elevated areas in Mindanao, like Bukidnon.
The crown are dug and lifted out with a short-handed fork, care being
taken so as not to injure them. Plant the newly dug crowns as soon as
possible since desiccation or drying slows growth.
In deep planting, hilling-up and wider spacing between hills and furrows
are given to asparagus raised for bunched stalks.
Cultivation:
In the seedling stage, the plants must be kept free from weeds by shallow
cultivation. Deep cultivation by hoe is recommended with care being
taken not to destroy the roots.
In the permanent field or bed, the general care given is much different
from that applied to other vegetable crops. The plants stay in the same
area for many years.
After the first and succeeding years, it is best to pass the disc and harrow
in between the rows before growth begins. The field is kept free from
volunteer plant and weeds by proper cultivation.
Irrigation:
Inter-cropping:
This farm practice is a laudable operation in the management of an
asparagus garden for it reduces the cost of cultivation and weeding and it
utilizes the wide spaces between the rows of asparagus plants. The inter-
crops recommended are the bushy legumes such as snap beans, peas,
and soybeans; leafy vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, Pak Choi
(petchay) and root crops, such as carrots, radish and sugar beets. The
legumes and the leafy vegetables require frequent hoeing and fertilization,
which are advantageous to the culture of green asparagus shoots. The
practice will produce more robust shoots.
Fertilization:
So far the only known pest of asparagus in the Philippines is the mealy
bug, Ferrisia Virgata Ckll. The bugs feed on the foliage and green
portions of the plants, thus rendering them sickly with retarded growth.
The control measures are the following :(1) cutting and burning the
infested portion, and (2) spraying the plants every two weeks with Sevin
at the rate of one or two tablespoonfuls per gallon of water.
Control is by spraying the plants, while still moist with dew, with lime
sulfur at the manufacture’s recommended dosage every two weeks.
The first harvest of asparagus is made at the start of the third season or
after the plants have had two full growing seasons in a permanent bed.
Planting of beans serves as a catch crop to fill in the time after the main
crop is harvested.
Varieties:
Adaptation:
Cultural requirements:
Plant the seeds in straight furrows laid 40 to 45 cm. apart, dropping two
to three seeds in hills 20 to 30 cm apart. One cultivation between the
rows and weeding along the rows are sufficient for the crop. After hilling-
up, irrigation water is allowed to play in between the rows at saturation
point. The frequency of irrigation depends upon the weather condition
and type of soil. Irrigation water is applied as soon as the plant shows
signs of wilting. Legumes are soil-improving crops like other short-
season vegetables. These crops need the various nutrients in the more
readily available forms for their growth and development. Bean as a
leguminous crop possesses the ability of fixing free nitrogen-fixing
bacteria. But the relatively long period of fixation during the phenomenon
known as modulation may cause undue delay that may ultimately result in
the nitrogen hunger. Therefore, nitrogen application in combination with
phosphorous and potassium is necessary. The application of complete
fertilizer (12-12-12) at the rate of 400 to 700 kg. per ha. gives good
yield.
Pests:
Damage- the larvae or maggots mine the stems of beans; young plants in
particular are susceptible. They feed especially at the bases of the plants.
Injured seedlings seldom develop into thrifty plants but rather remains
dwarfed throughout the season or die prematurely.
Damage - A larva hatched from an egg on the surface of the stored bean
first tunnel its way into the seed and gradually eats out a large chamber as
it grows into full size. Under warm storage temperature, several
generations may be produced, the larva eating and developing from the
egg to the weevil entirely within the seed. At maturity, the weevil pushes
off the seed coat covering the pupae chamber and emerges. Badly
infested beans exhibit many holes and are worthless either for food or
seed.
Control - The most successful control measure for this disease is crop
rotation with cereals.
Varieties:
F1 Sahel - Very good tropical hybrid resistant to heat with medium size
head for heading during warmest and wet season. In very hot and wet
season with small day/night temperature range head weight is 600 grams
to 1 kg with medium maturity 75 to 85 days from transplant. In better
conditions with bigger day/night temperature range, head weight is 1 to
1.5 kg with early harvest, 60 to 65 days from transplant. Head is very
compact, very firm and heavy. Good shipper. Tolerant to rot and
Fusarium yellows.
F1 Bali - Hybrid extra early small headed (500 grams to 1 kg) very firm.
Light green color. Ball head. Harvest 45 to 50 days from transplant.
GREEN Co. has 2 varieties of red cabbage (1) Rubby Ball - early red
cabbage. Plant is medium compact, good for close planting. Head is
about 1.5 kg., very dark red color, globe, very solid, very late bursting.
Early maturity: 65 days after transplanting. Resistance to cold and high
tolerance to heat. (2) Red Acre - Head is about 1.2 to 1.8 kg, color is
deep red. Maturity is 70 to 80 days after transplanting.
Adaptation:
Climatic and soil requirements - Cabbage is a cool season crop but the
advent of new lines and hybrids has greatly revolutionized its successful
commercial culture under varying agro-climatic situations in the country.
The F1 hybrids of KK from Japan, for example, could be raised
successfully from sandy to clayey but well-drained soils at sea level
during the dry summer months of March to May and would do equally
well at high altitudes in Benguet during most parts of the year.
Cultural requirements:
Sowing the Seeds - from 1/5 to 1/4 kg. of seeds is required per hectare
for limited scale of gardening, seedlings are raised in seed boxes
containing soil rich in humus and free from diseases and other harmful soil
organisms. In extensive truck gardening like in Benguet Province, farmers
grow seedlings in raised seed beds provided with portable glass or
plastic roofing. The beds are watered with a solution of ammonium
sulfate ( 3 to 4 teaspoonfuls ammonium sulfate dissolved in one kerosene
can of water) to serve as starter. The optimum age of seedlings for
transplanting ranges from 25 to 35 days after sowing. Hardening is
essential to reduce high mortality and cost of replanting, especially in
truck gardening. This is achieved by suspending irrigation of the beds a
few days before transplanting.
Cultivation and irrigation - Daily, light overhead irrigation of the plots with
the use of a sprinkler or a watering can is done for about two weeks
after transplanting. In the case of the double-row method, irrigating the
field by gravity is done at least twice a week.
Fertilizer application - Aside from the farm manure applied in the soil
during land preparation, chemical fertilizers are also needed. Under
conditions similar to those in the Baguio area, 8 to 10 bags of ammonium
sulfate or 4 to 5 bags urea are side-dressed between the hills of plants
following weeding and cultivation and covered with soil. Fertilizer may be
drilled between furrows in the case of the double-row method of
planting.
Infestation starts on the lower surface of the leaves leaving the upper
surface appearing as papery-white. Later, the heads of the plants may
also be damaged.
Importance:
Carrot gained importance in the human diet because of its nutritive value.
The edible root is an excellent source of Vitamin A. It also contains
appreciable amounts of food energy and many other food nutrients
necessary for the body.
Varieties:
New Kuroda - Root is dark red, tapered with the length of 16 to 20 cm.
Strong vigorous plant. Tolerant to Alternaria. Maturity days 80 to 100
days.
Adaptation:
The optimum pH for carrot is about 5.5 to 7.0. It has little tolerance to
high salt content, but is moderately tolerant to high boron in the soil. It
requires a very deep, well drained soil preferably sandy loam. However,
careful control of soil moisture by furrow irrigation permits use of heavier
soil than is recommended.
Carrot can also be planted in loam and slit loam soils but it is usually
difficult to establish good stands in these soil, unless crust formation can
be avoided. Clay soils impair root shape, and harvesting from clay soils is
difficult. Coarse, undecomposed, organic matter in the surface soil tends
to impair root shape.
Cultural Requirements:
The seed requirement per hectare will depend much on the percentage of
germination and spacing. The lower the percentage of germination and
the closer the planting, the more seeds are required per hectare. Under
normal conditions, that is, if the germination is from 80 to 90 percent, a
hectare usually requires 4 to 6 kg. of seeds.
Thinning is done only when the plants are about 15 cm. in height. At this
stage, the plants are already more or less established. It is also
recommended that during the last cultivation, this soils be thrown toward
the base of the plants to avoid the development of green pigments on the
shoulder of the roots which may effect their market value.
Control - Long rotation with crops highly resistant to the lest like corn,
sorghum and some resistant varieties of cowpea, peanut and beans is
recommended.
The affected roots may show small, water soaked greasy flecks or
scab-like lesions at any point on the surface. They first appear as brown
or maroon spots, which may become raised pustules or sunken craters.
The large craters usually crack open and are drilled with soil particles
embedded in the bacterial oose. Often, internal lesions heal over to
enclose the scab lesion.
Control - The bacteria persist in the soil and are commonly carried by
the seed. Seed may be disinfected by soaking in hot water at 120 degree
F for 10 minutes. Control also requires adequate crop rotation.
Control - Avoid bruising the roots during harvest. Cool, dry storage will
help in the control of the disease.
3. Cercospora blight (caused by Cercospora carotae). The disease
is more severe in young leaves than in old leaves. Lesions are usually
marginal although any part of the leaf or petiole may be attacked. It is
characterized by gray to brown, circular or elongated, localized spots
that are usually whitish or tan at the center.
Control - Crop rotation. Spray weekly with Maneb and Zineb until the
crop is mature.
Harvesting and Handling - Crops planted for early market are harvested
as soon as the roots reach the acceptable size. This is about three to six
months after sowing, depending upon the variety. Yellowing of leaves
may indicate maturity but it is not a sure index. The surest and most
practical way to determine the size of the roots is to scratch the base of
the plants and to see the actual size of the roots by pulling some samples
in the population.
Carrots are pulled when they have the desires root size. The roots are
highly variable in size and maturity. If harvested at one time, considerable
loss in total yield may result. Therefore, it is possible, carrot should be
harvested one after the other as they mature.
Sorting should be done as they are harvested or gatherer from the field.
Split and branched roots should be discarded. If the crop will be
marketed in bunch, only dried leaves should be removed. Bunching
maybe one right in the field or in the shed. Leaves should be cut to the
minimum to avoid rapid with ring or shrinking of the roots. The tops are
removed by cutting or twisting by hand right after the crop is pulled or
harvested.
Top of carrot draw moisture from the roots and hasten shriveling
removing the tops doubles the shelf life of the roots. Removing tops and
packing them in one pound, moisture-proof film bags further reduce
moisture loss and increase shelf life.
Bunched carrots when displayed six days at 70 degree F with 50 percent
relative humidity lose 48 percent in weight; with tops removed, 29
percent; and in a perforated polyethylene bag, 4 per cent. Under
refrigeration, polyethylene packaged carrots have a shelf life of at least
two to three weeks and moisture loss is usually less than one per cent.
CAULIFLOWER
Cauliflower is of European origin. Considered as the aristocrat of the
cabbage family, it is grown for its white, tender head formed by the
shortened and thickened parts of the flowers called curds. The curds are
commonly utilized as salad, either alone or in combination with others
and in the preparation of pickles. The young leaves are sometimes
included in the preparation of vegetable stews.
Varieties:
F1 Farwa - very rustic hybrid and large scale. Climatic adaptation: for
November to February. Curd - deep white, round shape - closed cover.
Adaptation:
Cultural Requirements:
Seed Requirements - About 200 to 300 g of seeds are enough to plant
one hectare. The seedling are taken cared of in the same way as in
cabbage, although greater care must be exercised by providing moderate
rich soils and disinfecting the seedbeds or seed boxes. Although pricking
is uncommon among growers, it is a must operation in cauliflower-
growing to produce uniform and stocky seedlings for field planting.
The curds should be harvested as soon as they reach the proper size and
before discoloration begins. Since the curds mature rather fast and
sometimes irregularly, harvesting should be done frequently and regularly.
The head or curd should be cut with one or two circles of outer leaves to
protect the curd from bruises and damage. The curds are packed with
the outer leaves untrimmed.
Root grub can be controlled by treating the soil with Alder 2 at the rate
of 1 tbs. in 1 gal. of water.
As a salad crop, celery ranks next to lettuce. Like lettuce, celery has
been growing in importance and popularity. Salads have become
increasingly common on the menus of most Filipinos, and the supply of
this important crop has to keep pace with the ever-growing demand.
Varieties:
Elne -Foliage are tall, dark and green the while the stalk are thick,
smooth and fleshy. Can be harvested 2 to 3 months from transplant.
Tall Utah - Foliage are sturdy, dark green with long, thick, smooth stalk.
Adaptation:
Successful production of celery can be had in soils that are either muck
or peat. Sandy loam soil well-supplied with organic matter is also
preferred. Acidic soils are normally avoided. The pH range of soils
considered ideal for the production of celery is from 6.0 to 6.8.
Months of Planting - Celery is planted the year round but quantity crops
are planted from January through April.
Cultural Requirements:
Since the celery plant grows rather very slowly during its seedling stage,
care must be taken to keep the weeds on the beds under control. These
weeds compete seriously with the seedlings for the uptake of nutrients
available in the soil. It takes from two to three months for the seedlings to
reach a suitable size for transplanting in the field.
Transplanting and Spacing - When the seedlings have attained the height
of about 15 cm., they are transplanted in the open field. Beds about 1m.
wide are prepared in the field. The usual size is 1m wide and 15 m. high
in the dry season and 30 cm in the rainy season. It is quite common in
Trinidad Valley in Benguet Province to make the beds 90 cm. wide with
a 30 cm. high furrow between the beds.
Two rows of plants are then set on the bed. The rows are about 40 cm.
apart and plants are spaced about 20 cm. on the row. The soil between
the rows can be mulched with dried grasses to prevent rapid evaporation
of soil moisture and to smother the weeds. It is necessary to prune the
seedlings before transplanting them to the field. Recovery from the effects
of transplanting would be more rapid with the plants which receives less
pruning of the tops or roots.
Effort must be exerted to select only those seedlings of good size for
transplanting. Small seedlings would normally produce the light plants at
harvest time. It is well, therefore, to discard these seedlings as they are
considered genetically less vigorous.
1. Aphids, Aphis sp. These are small greenish insects, which are
either winged or wingless. They reproduce every rapidly. The insects
sucks the sap from the leaves causing curling, distortion and stunting of
the plant.
Control- The soil surface along the plant row can be treated chlorinated
hydrocarbons such as Aldrin, Dieldrin, etc. at concentrations
recommended by the manufacture.
Bright. There are three distinct blights infecting celery, but since they are
all controlled by the same means, it is well to discuss them together. Late
blight (Septoria apii) is characterized by small, brown, circular lesions on
the leaves and stems. Black fruiting bodies of the fungus later appear in
these areas. In the case of early blight Ceriopora apii, dead, ashen-gray
velvety areas develop in the foliage. The bacteria ( Bacterium apii)
produce lesions that are more reddish brown that those cause by late
blight, in addition to a yellow halo. No black fruiting bodies are to be
seen in celery infested by bacterial blight. Plants can affected by these
diseases at any time during their life span.
Two to three year old seeds are recommended for planting because at
this stage the fungi are no longer viable. New seeds can be soaked in hot
water at a temperature of 48 degree C for 30 minutes to kill the
seedborne fungi. Then the seeds are dried and treated with Thiram dust
before planting.
Seeds can be placed in the cloth sack and soaked until moistened in a
solution of 1 oz. of Calomel (mercury chloride) in 1 gal. of water.
Another method is to coat the seed thoroughly with either Captan,
Chlonil or Thiram dust at the rate recommended by the manufacturer.
Such treatment should be used on hot water-treated seed.
3. Bacterial Rot - is caused by a bacterium, Erwinia carotovora
Holland. Small lesions appear on the fleshy petioles and rapidly enlarge.
Finally, a soft, mushy rot develops.
There is no specific stage of maturity at which celery must be harvested.
If cut too early in the season, the yield would greatly be reduced.
However, celery can be cut when a little over-mature, but not too late as
to allow the petioles from becoming pithy, in which case, they lose their
high quality.
In harvesting celery, the plants are cut below the soil surface with a large
knife before leaving the petioles attached at the base. Tiller or suckers,
short and prongy outside the petiole, and diseased or injured leaves are
cut off before they are washed and packed in convenient containers.
1. Slicing Type:
2. Pickling Type:
F1 Antilla - Pickling type. Fruit length: 16 cm., diameter 6.5 cm. Green
with some yellowish stripes, white spine, and Excellent shape, straight.
Plant: vigorous, productive. Good brine quality, suitable for machine and
hand harvest. Disease tolerance: Cucumber Mosaic Virus, Scab
Cucumber, Antrachnose, Angular leaf spot, Downy Mildew, Powdery
Mildew.
F1 Basma - Outdoor Beit Alpha hybrid grown in the open field. Early
hybrid with vigorous plant and high yields. Gynoecious hybrid with mainly
female flowering. Fruit dark green color, 16 to 18 cm long. Good results
for season production. Disease tolerance: Cucumber Mosaic Virus,
Watermelon Mosaic Virus, Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew.
Others: (see brochures) Beit Alpha CMR MMR, Beit Alpha CMR
MMR PMR DMR, Excel, Lady, Noura.
Adaptation:
Climatic and Soil Requirements - Cucumber grows best at about the end
of the rainy season from November to January when the weather is
rather cool. It has excellent growth on well-drained, sandy, clay loam
soil.
Cultural Requirements:
Planting and Spacing - The single row method or the double row method
of planting is allowed. The double row method is preferred, because
there are more plants in a given space for planting than in the single row
method. The seeds are planted in hills 30 to 45 cm. apart in the row, 3 to
5 seeds per hill, and later thinned out to only 2 to 3 plants per hill. The
double rows are 50 cm apart. Space between the double rows is 150
cm. The hill are set in the triangular system.
The plants may crawl or creep on the ground, but the use of bamboo
poles or any material as trellis give better quality fruits that are clean and
without deformities.
Cultivation - The field should be cultivated when the plants are still young
or small, say, about 30 cm. long, to kill the weeds and loosen the soil for
better root hold.
Squash Bugs or beetles Orthaulaca similes Oliv. attack the plants. They
can be controlled by spraying with Sevin and Malathion.
The diseases commonly attacking cucumber are the downy mildew and
powdery mildews. Both diseases are easily controlled with the use of
Bordeaux mixtures. Zineb and Karathane WP ( 3 to 5 tbs.) in 5 gal. of
water sprayed on affected vines will likewise provide adequate control of
the two diseases.
Age of Harvest - The fruits are harvested not on the basis of age but of
sizes and for the purpose for which they are to be utilized.
Varieties:
Adaptation:
Cultural requirements:
Land Preparation - The land should be plowed two to three times, each
plowing followed by harrowing. If clouds occur on heavier soils, it is best
to expose the soil for about a week, followed by flashing irrigation water.
When the soil becomes workable, it is harrowed and leveled. Double-
furrows drawn by machine, or with the use of a plow with the moldboard
removed. Each double-furrow is spaced one meter apart.
Pest and their Control - Flea beetles, Psylloides spp., lady beetles,
Epilchna spp., leafhoppers Empoasca biguttula (Ishida), mites and aphids
are the most important pests of eggplant. These insects can be effectively
controlled by spraying the plants with either Sevin, Foliafume or
Malathion at 3 level tbs. per 5 gal. of water.
The fruits are picked as soon as they attain satisfactory size but before
they lose their bright, glossy appearance. A heavier crop can be obtained
if the fruits are removed before they reach full maturity.
The calyx and a short piece of the stem are left on the fruit. For distant
markets, the fruits are packed in crates or baskets that are loaded in
trucks and transported to different places.
Varieties:
Red Salad Bowl - Head is Long deeply cut, lobe frilled, color is bronze
red, size is very large. Heat tolerant.
2. Crisp Head/Batavia:
3. Butterhead:
Adaptation:
Climatic and Soil Requirements - The loose leaf type thrives well both in
the lowlands and highlands. Difference, however, are noticeable in the
growth habit. Heading varieties perform best in areas with low
temperature. Lettuce does best in sandy loam and silt loam soils rich in
organic matter. Where earliness is desired, sandy loam is preferred. If
yield is important, silt loam and muck soils are highly preferred. Studies
show that lettuce seems to grow better in soil with pH value ranging from
6.0 to 6.8.
Cultural Requirements :
Seedlings are transplanted as soon as they have formed the first true
leaves (two to three weeks after sowing) at intervals of 20 to 25 cm.
both ways for non-heading varieties and 30 * 30 cm. for the heading
varieties. The seedlings are set in two to four rows with a working path
of 20 cm between the rows. Planting is recommended during cloudy
days or late in the afternoon to avoid excessive wilting of the transplants.
Lathering is advisable right after transplanting.
Fertilization - Lettuce plants are poor foragers because of their small root
system. In this regard, the soil must be well-supplied with nutrients either
from organic or inorganic matter. Preplanting application with 10 tons of
stable manure to a hectare, applied during the last field preparation, is
recommended. This must be supplemented with about 250 to 300 kg of
12-24-12 fertilizer mixture. Without manure, a hectare may require about
400 kilograms of 12-24-12. Two weeks after planting, side dressing
with about 100 kg of ammonium sulfate can be done.
Control of Pests and Diseases :
The tall varieties may reach a height of 1.8 to 2.4 m. The leaves are
rounded, 25 to 30 cm across, with 3 to 5 ovate to oblong and coarsely-
toothed lobes. The plant’s large yellow flowers have reddish centers.
They are borne singly in the axis of the leaves. Okra is primarily
cultivated for its soft immature edible pods, which are 5 to 20 cm. long.
The pods, creamy-white to dark green contain a mucilaginous substance
that thickens soups and stews. They are also eaten boiled or fried. Pods
maybe preserved in brine, canned or frozen for future use. The stem and
mature pods contain a fiber which maybe used in the manufacture of
paper.
Adaptation:
A fertile, sandy loam soil is most ideal for the plant’s growth and
development. The plant is best adapted to a climate with a long, warm
growing season. A monthly maximum average temperature of 35 degree
C with a minimum average above 18 degree C provides optimum
conditions for good growth and the development of high quality pods.
Okra maybe raised at elevations from the sea level up to 30 m. above. It
is grown throughout the year.
Varieties :
Cultural Requirements:
Control - crop rotation, sanitation and use of resistant varieties are the
recommended control measures.
Control - Treat soil with nematicide art the rate recommended by the
manufacturer. Another method is through crop rotation with non-
susceptible crops.
Studies showed that pods 4 to 6 days old are highest in table quality. It is
at this stage that the greatest increase in pod weight, length and diameter
occur. Harvesting every 3 to 4 days result in a prolonged and continuous
fruiting period with a harvest of 3 times as many pods as when the pods
are allowed to mature. Under tropical conditions, harvesting daily or
every other day is advisable in commercial production.
Varieties:
Early Texas Grano - It has medium early maturity 135 to 145. Bulb is
large, light yellow, top shape, Flesh is mild sweet. Storage is poor.
Disease tolerance, PRR.
F1 Goldor - short day hybrid. 2 weeks earlier than Granex. Firm, Long
storage. Slightly pungent. Dark yellow skin.
Red Creole - Late maturity 190 days, Bulb is flat medium size, color red
buff, flesh is slightly pungent, good storage.
Violet de Galmi - Very early and well adapted in tropical and subtropical
areas. Flat thick bulb. Very purple red colored skin, thin neck medium
large size. Very pungent taste. Very good keeper for long storage. High
dry matter content. Harvest 130 to 140 days after direct sowing.
Adaptation:
Elevation - The plant thrives from sea level as in Curimao, Ilocos Norte,
and Taal and Lemery in Batangas, to around 5,000 ft. above sea level as
in Baguio.
Months of planting - The best months for planting onion are from
September to January when moisture and climatic conditions are
favorable for top growth and, subsequently, for initial bulb formation.
There are two general cultural methods of planting onion, namely: (1)
clean culture and (2) mulched culture.
Clean Culture - In this method, the soil is deficiently moist. It is prepared
by hoeing or by plowing and harrowing to pulverize the soil, freeing it
from thrushes and weeds and weed seedlings; and reducing it to a fine
filth. After leveling, one or double rows in the backyard or field are
marked and the necessary amount of fertilizer is broadcast along the
marked rows. In the field, double row bed planting is preferred for
economy in spacing, weeding, cultivating and irrigating.
Mulch culture - This is the method of growing onion in places where rice
straw is easily available. Onion is the crop that is usually planted after
harvesting rice. Where weeds are abundant, the field is plowed and
harrowed. Otherwise, the rice field is fertilized by the broadcast method,
the rice stalks are laid neatly to a thickness of about 6 to 8 cm. and then
planted to either onion seedlings or onion sets. If the feet sink in the soil,
it is first drained before any other farm operations are done. Draining is
usually done in Munoz rice fields, whereas in Curimao, where soil
moisture is usually deficient, the field is first flushed with water followed
by draining before fertilizing it. After broadcasting the fertilizer, mulching
and planting follow in that order.
Planting - For bulb production, three planting materials are used, namely:
(1) seeds, (2) seedlings, and (3) sets.
Seeds - When seeds are used as the planting materials, they are drilled in
the fertilized rows, 1 to 2 cm deep, deeper in clay sandy loam than in
sandy clay loam soils. The spacing between plants is about 7 to 10 cm in
commercial planting. The rate of seedling varies from about 5.0 to 6 kg
per ha. When the seedlings are about 20 cm. tall, some may be pulled as
green onions.
Seedlings - Seedlings are raised in seedbeds, in a greenhouse or in the
open. Seedling rate is 1 kilo per 3.5 sq.m.bed. Seedlings are planted 7 to
10 cm. apart in the rows when they are 40 to 55 days old. In mulched
field, the seedlings are set below the rice straw with only the roots
buried.
Sets - Sets are seedlings grown from seeds sown thick ( 15 grams/one
sq.m.bed) on poor land, so as to arrest growth. Like culls from an
ordinary harvest, they are stored dry in airtight containers and wintered
artificially in cold storage. The procedure of planting them is the same as
for seedlings. Onion sets produce green onion or early onion bulbs.
Pruning - When the seedlings are transplanted, clipping the leaves is not
advisable, however, it is recommended lifted seedlings be trimmed when
transplanting both by the clean or mulched culture.
The worms are greenish with black, longitudinal bands. They are leaf
feeders. Best controlled by spraying the plants with EPN-300 at the rate
of 3 tbs. Per 5 gallons of water with Imidan 50 W.P at the rate of 3 level
tablespoonfuls per gallon of water. The addition of a sticker makes the
solution more effective.
3. Onion Pink Rot - Infects roots turn pink, then shrivel and die.
Affected plants produce small bulbs that are of no commercial value. The
use of resistant varieties is recommended in preventing loss from the
disease.
Age of Harvest- The age of onion at harvested time varies with the
variety (refer to brochure).
Care of Harvest (Curing) - The clipped bulbs are cleaned and sorted.
Those with bruises or with large necks and undersized are immediately
brought to the market. Sound bulbs are arranged in one layer on airy,
slatted floors. The top of the bulbs brought to the shed are either cut,
twisted off, or braided in 50 to 100 bulbs before curing. Curing of onion
bulbs extends to a period of seven or more days.
Varieties:
Adaptation:
Leek or green onions are generally grown in the highlands like Baguio
and the mountain trails, but GREEN Co. ’s variety is well adapted to the
lowlands.
Cultural Requirements:
Land Preparation - The land is plowed and harrowed several times until
the soil is brought to a fine tilth. Multiple rows are prepared. Generally,
two to three rows make up a multiple row. Distance between rows is 30
to 40 cm.
Propagation - By seed or transplant. A hectare of land requires 2 to 3 k.
of seeds. The seeds are sown in seed boxes or seedbeds containing
sterilized soil. The seeds are sown thinly down to 2 cm. deep and 8 cm.
apart in the rows of a seed box or seedbed. Seedlings are ready for
transplanting 40 to 70 days from sowing.
Planting and Spacing - Direct seedling is done by drilling the seeds thinly
along the rows. Seeds are covered with the fine soil up to a depth of 1
cm. Seedlings are then thinned to have a spacing of about 20 cm.
between plants.
Pests and diseases of green onion are the same as those that attack bulb
onion.
Harvesting and Handling:
Varieties:
Loose leave type. Early maturity 40-45 days after transplant. Petioles is
round thick, pure white. Leaves are smooth round, dark green in color.
It can be grown at the sea level or at a higher altitude, provided the soil is
rich in organic matter and with good drainage. For commercial
production, a light loamy soil retentive of moisture is recommended.
Cultural Requirements:
Land Preparation - The field is plowed and harrowed several times until
the desired tilth is attained. Seeds may be sown directly in the plots or
first raised in seedbeds or seedboxes. In direct planting, it is drilled by
hand in shallow furrows or with the use of a two-row hand-drawn
mechanical driller that is set at about 15 to 20 cm between rows. From
two to four rows are usually planted in each plot. The rate of seedling is
about 1/2 to 1 kg. per ha. depending upon the spacing and germination
percentage.
3. Aphids, Aphis sp. These pests are soft- bodied and they cluster
on the leaves. They multiply rapidly. They stuck the sap of the plant
causing the leaves to curl. The infested plant is generally stunted.
3. Post-emergence. The lesions are mostly near the level of the ground
and may consist of soft water-soaked or brown sunken areas. The
seedling that appear healthy in the afternoon may collapse the next
morning because of the diseases. The fallen plants may still be green and
turbid. The following are recommended as preventive measures:
Use sterilized soil for growing seedlings using either chemical or heat.
Remove immediately infested plants including the soils and burn them.
Avoid excessive dampness in the soil. Water the seedlings only in the
morning so that the soil will be dry by night. Expose seedbed to the sun a
few hours a day. Treat the seeds with Semesan 1.4% or 1/2 level tbsp
for each pound of seeds.
Pechay is harvested by cutting the plants at the base with the aid of a
sharp knife. Harvesting is done late in the afternoon or early in the
morning for local markets. For big haul and distant markets, the harvest
is allowed to wilt slightly to prevent breaking and bruising of the leaves
during packing and hauling. The harvest is packed in bamboo baskets
lined with fresh banana leaves or other containers convenient to the
rower. It is never allowed to stay too long in the package. The package
is penned as soon as it reached its destination. It must be lined upright
and sprinkled with fresh water or placed outside overnight to give plants
a fresher appearance.
Adaptation:
Soil and Climatic Requirements - Sweet pepper thrives best in cool areas
and hot pepper in hot areas. Both grow in any kind of soil. However, it is
better to raise them in a fertile, sandy loam with sufficient moisture.
GREEN Co’s pepper varieties are more resistant to drought.
Land Preparation - The field is plowed and harrowed several times until
the soil is reduced to a fine tilth. Afterwards, row are prepared. The
distance between rows depends on the locality, variety and soil fertility. It
varies from 30 to 50 cm. The single-row method (spaced 35 cm.
between rows and 1m between triple rows) is preferred because it
provides developing fruits adequate protection against sun scalding.
Cultural Requirements :
Planting and Spacing - Pepper is planted from May to June in the wet
season and from October to December in the dry season. About four to
six kilos of seeds are required to plant hectare. Seedlings are raised in
seedbeds or seedboxes containing previously-sterilized soil. Seedlings
are ready for transplanting 35 to 45 days after sowing. Transplanting is
preferably done late in the afternoon or when there is lesser intensity of
sunlight top avoid wilting and to have higher plant density per unit area.
The distance between hills is from 25 to 50 cm. depending on the soil
fertility, variety, climate and season.
The pest brings about what is known as “hopper burn”. Attacked plants
fail to produce fruits. The method of control is by spraying with Carbaryl
at 1 tbs. per gal. of water or with Metasystox.
Harvesting:
Pepper has three stages of fruit maturity:
Green - the fruit has reached its full size but is still green.
Red-ripe - the fruit has become fully red. For distant markets, green
and breaker peppers are harvested. For canning, food decoration and
for powder preparation, red, ripe pepper is preferred. Interval of
harvesting depends largely upon the market, but frequent intervals are
usually practiced.
Varieties:
Adaptation:
Climatic and Soil Requirements - Radish has a fairly wide climatic and
soil adaptation. The optimum pH for radish is 5.0 to 7.0. It grows well
on any fertile soil with good drainage, except on certain soils that
hardened and which induce the production of deformed, fleshy roots.
Sandy loam, friable loam and mucks are best for commercial production.
An altitude from sea level to 5,000 ft. with free air and fertility gives a
good yield.
Months of Planting - Radish can be grown throughout the year in all parts
of the country, but the best season for growing the crop is from October
to January.
Cultural Requirements:
Land Preparation - The field is plowed and harrowed two to three times,
or until the right tilth is attained.
Planting and Spacing - The seeds are either broadcast or drilled in the
field. For broadcasting, an animal-drawn light harrow is passed one to
two times after the seeds are sown to cover the seeds. For drilling, the
furrows about 2 cm. deep are spaced 20 to 30 cm apart and the seeds,
as drilled, are covered with a thin layer of pulverized soil. In semi-
mechanized farms, the seeds are drilled by a 2-row mechanical driller
and usually a 4-row plot is made. The rate of seedling is from 10 to 12
kg. per ha. Under normal conditions, the seeds germinate within four to
six days from sowing.
Irrigation - Radish needs a constant soil moisture for rapid growth and
for the production of uniform, tender, crisp, quality roots, and may cause
the production of highly pungent roots. Light crops are grown during the
dry season or in places with very low rainfall, but frequent irrigation is
necessary. The interval will depend much on the water-holding capacity
of the soil. Irrigation should be avoided as soon as the roots attain the
market size, because too much moisture at this stage may promote the
development of root rot.
1. Aphids, Aphis sp. Both adult and young are tiny. Some are
wingless and others are winged. They are soft-bodied. The color is green
or black. They cluster on the leaves. They feed on the sap of the plants,
causing curling of leaves and dwarfing of the plants.
Control - The most practical and economical control for the disease is
crop rotation for et least 3 to 5 years. Spraying with Spergon (2-100)
will give good results but is impractical.
Harvest radish as they reach the desired size. Never allow the roots to
over mature, because they become fibrous, pithy and too pungent. The
maturity is determined by pulling some representative samples from the
plantation.
Among the legume vegetables, long beans is one of the most widely
grown in the Philippines. It is principally raised as vegetable food crop
for salad making and is cooked alone or in combination with other
vegetables, meat or fish.
Variety:
Yard Long Asparagus Bean - Heat and wet tolerant. Pods: long, slender,
round section, 30 to 50 cm long, medium green color. Vines: rampant
climber, maturity: beginning of harvest 50 to 60 days after sowing. Black
seeds variety.
Adaptation:
Climate and soil requirements - Sitao is adapted in both wet and dry
season. It thrives in almost types of soil from sandy loam to clay loam but
clay loam soil, with proper fertilization, give long, compact and well-
seeded pods. It is preferable to grow Sitao in well-drained soil. Higher
yields are obtained at soil reaction between pH 3 to 5 to 8.
Months and planting - Sitao is grown throughout the year, but the best
time to plant is in May or June during the wet season and October to
November in the dry season.
Cultural Requirements :
Cultivation and Weeding - The field of Sitao is cultivated using light tools.
In large-scale planting, cultivation and weeding are done in the same
manner as that for cowpea, corn and other upland crops. Shallow
cultivation is done during the early stage of growth to avoid root injury.
Control - Spray Zineb or Maneb (W.P.) at the rate of 250 to 300 grams
per 100 liters of water. The first application is made as the first leaves
unfold, and repeated once or twice at eight to ten day intervals.
Index of Maturity - Sitao is normally grown for its green pods. In both
bush and pole types, harvesting is done when the beans are fully
developed or when pods are still young and tender. Experience in
growing Sitao will tell the right time to harvest green pods.
Varieties:
Sugar Pea Oregon - stringless green and flat pod. Best suited to
Tropicall conditions, heat resistance. Direct sowing.
Pea Alderman - Green wrinkled seeded, shelling and climbing pea. Only
by dry and cold season, at altitudes higher than 800 m. Direct sowing.
Harvest is 100 days after sowing.
Months of Planting - The season for sweet pea culture is rather broad
but distinct. Many growers start drilling the seeds as early as mid-
September for the November-December market of green pods and as
late as March for late summer and early rainy season produce. High
demand for “citzaro” reaches its peak during the Christmas season and in
summer (April to May ) in Baguio.
Cultural Requirements:
Planting and Spacing - There are two methods of planting, the furrow
and the plot methods. In Baguio, where there is intensive farming, the lot
system of planting is followed. The plot is established one meter wide on
which the seeds are drilled 15 cm. apart along 2 rows 35 to 40 cm. apart
two to three seeds are drilled in a hole at a depth of about 5 to 7 cm.
And covered with fine soil. Approximately 50 to 60 kilos of dried seeds
are needed to plant a hectare.
Fertilizer Application - Aside from the manure needed and applied during
land preparation, the required complete fertilizer is applied in band at
equal depth with the hill of seeds in between the rows during planting
time.
Other Requirements - As the plants develop, they are braced with sticks
against the trellis to prevent them from toppling over.
Control of Pests:
Index of Maturity - Most sweet peas grown in Baguio and its environs
are harvested and marketed as green pods. These are picked when the
seeds have just started to bulge in the pods. With present commercial
varieties, initial picking of pods commences about 70 to 80 days after
planting, and proceeds at 7-10 day interval thereafter, reaching the peak
production through the second and third weeks of harvesting. The pods
are cut from the stalk with a pair of scissors and placed in a basket tied
around the waist of the picker as he goes along from one plot to the
another. The best time to harvest is early in the morning or late in the
afternoon.
Care of Harvest - The pods are hauled under a shade, cleaned and
sorted and neatly packed in small bamboo baskets lined with banana
leaves. Damaged pods are those with brown spots or freckles are left for
the family’s consumption.
For seed production intended for the next planting season, the pods are
left in the field until mature and dry. These are harvested, further cured
under the sun for a few days, then threshed by hand. The seeds are
cleaned and spread under the shade for further drying. Bare seeds dried
directly under the sun tend to crack their seed coats which affects their
viability and keeping quality. Properly dried seeds are kept in tins or
muslin bags and stored under dry environment.
Reference: Cultural Requirements for Phil. Agricultural Crops
TOMATO
Tomato is one of the most important vegetable crops throughout the
world. It is grown for both home and market in almost any community in
the country. It is one of the most popular salad vegetables. It is made into
converses, pickles, catsup, and soups. It is served raw, baked, stewed,
fried and as sauce for other foods.
Varieties:
Adaptation:
Cultural Requirement:
Land Preparation - The land is plowed and harrowed several times until
a fine tilth is obtained. For heavy soils, it is best to dry the plowed land
for a week and then to flash irrigated the land. As soon as the soil
becomes workable, the land is harrowed and leveled. Double-furrows,
about 15 cm. deep and 50 cm. apart, are made with the use of a plow
with the board removed or with a furrower. The double rows are spaces
one meter apart.
Varieties:
With Seed:
Sugar Baby, Baby Doll F1, Kaolack, Charleston Grey, Klondike RS57,
Crimson Sweet, Logone F1, California Jaune, Baby Jaune, Family.
Seedless:
Sunshine, Sunlight
Adaptation:
Climatic and Soil Requirements - A well drained sandy loam soil rich in
organic matter and which has not been previously used for growing
watermelon is preferred. Watermelon requires more aeration than any
kind of crops, thus, the field must have good drainage to obtain good
yield. In areas where growing season is short, light soil is desirable for
early harvest. It grows satisfactorily in a bit heavier soil if properly cared
and managed.
Cultural Requirements :
Control:
2. Aphids. Adult and young are tiny, greenish insects that are
generally wingless and soft bodies. The insects suck the sap of the
leaves. Infested plants show curling and distorting of the leaves.
Harvesting: