S

itao (pole and bush type) are vegetable legumes widely grown in the country.
These crops provide good source of income and cheap substitutes of animal
protein. Aside from their food value, dried seeds of sitao can serve as raw materials
for the preparation of animal feeds. They are also valuable to agriculture because of their
ability to improve soil condition through nitrogen fixation.

Sitao is easy to grow and it takes only about one and half months to harvest.

SOIL AND CLIMATIC REQUIREMENTS

S
itao are non-sesonal crop. It can be grown throughout the year. They can thrive in
various types of soil. However,
a fertile, friable, well-drained soil with high organic matter and pH value between 5.5 to 6.8 is the best soil suitable
for successful growing. The temperature range for optimum growth is 20 to 35oC.

CULTURAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Selection of Varieties

Select varieties that are high yielding, resistant to pests and diseases, non-seasonal, adapted to local climatic conditions
and acceptable to the consumers to gain optimum yield and profit.

Several improved varieties are listed in the Guide in Selecting Lowland Vegetable Varieties included in this kit for your
reference.

Land Preparation

tart preparing the land 3 to 4 weeks before planting. Plow the field to a depth of at least 20 cm. For better plant

S growth and development, plow and harrow the field 2 to 3 times at one week interval. When the soil moisture is just
right for planting, make furrows at 20 cm deep with the following recommended row spacing:

Type Spacing (cm)

Pole Type 100

Bush Type 75

Soil and Fertilizer Management

T
o achieve optimum yield, apply the right kind and amount of fertilizer at the right time. Although leguminous crops
can fix nitrogen, they also need other elements aside from nitrogen in order to survive. To determine this, have your
soil analyzed at the Soil Laboratory nearest you.

In the absence of soil analysis, apply three bags of complete fertilizer (14-14-14) and 20 bags of organic fertilizer or
compost per hectare at basal during the dry season. Apply this amount uniformly into the furrows just before planting.
Cover the fertilizer with 2 to 3 cm fine soil before planting to protect the seeds from getting in contact with the fertilizer.
Supplement with foliar fertilizer during flowering stage. For wet season planting, apply only foliar fertilizer during flowering
stage.

Planting

Leguminous vegetables vary in their growth habits, hence they are planted at different methods and spacing.

For pole and bush sitao, the following spacing, plant population and seed requirement per hectare is recommended:

Spacing (cm)
Plant Seed
Type
Row Hill Population/ha Requirement/ha (kg)

Pole Type 100 50 40,000 10-20

Bush Type 75 25 53,333 25-30

Methods of Planting:

1. Drill Method. Plant 18 to 20 seeds per linear meter. Distribute the seeds uniformly in the
furrows. Cover the seeds lightly with 3 to 4 cm fine soil.
2. Hill Method. Plant 2 to 3 seeds per hill using the specified distance indicated in the table.
Cover the seeds lightly with 3 to 4 cm fine soil.

During the wet season or in areas where drainage is poor, plant sitao and cowpea in beds or
ridges raised about 10 to 30 cm high.

Water Management

f soil moisture is not sufficient during planting time, water the field immediately after planting

I to ensure uniform germination. requency of irrigation depends on soil type and weather condition. Sandy loam soil
need more frequent irrigation. Construct drainage canal if the area has poor drainage.

Practice furrow irrigation as soon as plants exhibit signs of water stress. Wilting in the morning or evening indicates
moisture stress. It is important to program the planting period so that moisture stress or water logging will be avoided.

Staking Pole Type Sitao

P rovide stakes for pole sitao when the plants begin to climb or just after hilling up but not later
than 25 days after emergence (DAE).

Use ipil-ipil stems with a diameter of 1 to 2 cm, stems of talahib/runo or splitted bamboo as
staking materials.

Place 1.5 to 2 meters long stakes between plants within the furrows in slanting position so that the
top of the stakes intersects with the opposite stake in the adjacent furrow. Place bamboo slats or
ipil-ipil stem horizontally on top of the intersection and tie the stakes to this.

Corn plants can also serve as biological trellis for pole sitao. Plant corn and pole sitao
alternately at a distance of 100 cm between furrows and 30 cm between hills.

Train the pole sitao vines to climb the trellis as they grow.

Care of the Plants

Thin the plants 5 to 7 days after emergence (DAE) leaving
15 to 18 plants per linear meter in the drill method and 2 plants per hill in the hill method.

Keep the field weed-free since they compete with the crop for light, moisture and nutrients.
Do interrow cultivation at 10 to 15 DAE to control weeds. Hill-up at 25 to 30 days after
emergence. Spot weed after hilling-up.

Bush and pole sitao are commonly attacked by cutworms, bugs, beanfly, aphids and pod
borer. Observe the field at 3 to 10 DAE for occurence of beanfly. Apply appropriate control measures if infestation is
severe. Common diseases include fusarium wilt, stem and root rot, bean rust, bean mosaic and powdery mildew. For
effective control, please refer to the Pest and Disease Management Guide for Lowland Vegetables included in this kit.
Harvesting and Postharvest Operation

Timely harvesting is necessary to attain good yield and quality harvest. Harvesting depends on the purpose of the grower
whether it is for green pod or dry seed production.

Green Pod Production

Harvest pods when these are still green and immature. Do not allow the pods to become fibrous
and fully grown with prominent seeds before harvesting.

Harvest green pods twice a week, in the morning or late in the

afternoon when the temperature is low so that pods are fresh.

Place the pods in a shaded areatominimize deterioration.

Clean the pods and sort them according to size, color and maturity.

Separate damaged, insect-infested or diseased pods.

Pack the produce in suitable containers preferably crates, baskets or boxes lined with
fresh banana leaves or newspaper to maintain freshness and minimize damage during
transport.

Refrigerate unconsumed or undisposed harvested pods or keep them in a moistened
clay jars to maintain its reshness for about three days before marketing.

Bean Yield Production

Pods are ready for harvest when these turn brown. Harvest the crop by
priming or hand picking the dried pods in the morning when the leaves
and pods are dried.

Sundry harvested pods immediately until they become brittle.

Thresh the pods using a mechanical thresher or manually with the

feet or with a wooden flail.

Clean the seeds by winnowing. Discard damaged and immature

seeds.

Sundry the seeds to 10 to 12percent moisture content (MC). Spread the

seeds evenly on drying nets or canvas. Turn the seeds every 30
minutes to attain uniform drying. It takes 1 to 3 days at 3 to 4 hours drying per day to dry the seeds depending on the
initial MC of the seeds and the intensity of sunlight.

Bite the seeds to determine the dryness. If it gives a cracking sound, the seeds are dried. Another practical method
of determining the dryness of the seeds is to place one half kg seeds in a plastic bag. Tie the bag tightly and expose
under the sun. If water gathers in the plastic in 30 minutes to one hour, the MC of the seeds is still high.

Store dried seeds in moisture-proof containers to prevent moisture accumulation and maintain good quality seeds.
SEED PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Certified seeds of vegetables are expensive. However, the purity is guaranteed. For commercial scale production, using
certified seeds every planting season is more profitable. For home gardens, it is advisable to produce your own planting
materials from certified seeds.

To produce good seeds, follow these steps to minimize degeneration of the variety:

1. Select a site for seed production preferably at the center of the field.
2. Plant one seed per hill following the recommended distance for sitao. Follow the recommended cultural management
practices for the crop.
3. Evaluate the performance of each hill as to productivity and reaction to insect pests and diseases. Rogue hills that are
not productive, susceptible to insect-pests and diseases and not true-to-type.
4. Use only the harvest from the first and second priming for seed purposes.
5. Sundry harvested pods for 2 to 3 days but not too long to expose to high heat intensity. Turn occasionally to ensure
uniform drying.
6. Shell the pods after drying. Separate abnormal and deformed seeds from good ones. Dry the good seeds until they
have reached 8 to 12 percent moisture content.
7. Treat the seeds with recommended insecticides to kill minute larvae of bean weevil. If fruits of hot pepper are
available, slice the ripe fruit and mix with the seeds before drying.
8. Treat the seeds with fungicide to prevent seed-born fungus diseases.
9. Store the seeds in a glass jar, plastic bags, cotton or nylon net or any suitable container. Fill at least 10 percent of the
container with charcoal as desicant. Label the seeds and keep in a dry and safe place.

Test the viability of the seeds before planting.

COST AND RETURN ANALYSIS FOR SITAO

Per Hectare Basis for CY 2008
BUSH SITAO POLE SITAO

PARTICULARS UNIT TOTAL UNIT TOTAL

UNIT QNTY UNIT QNTY
COST (P) COST (P) COST (P) COST (P)
A. LABOR INPUTS
1. Land Preparation
a. 1st Plowing MAD 7 300 2,100 7 300 2,100
b. 1st Harrowing MAD 6 300 1,800 6 300 1,800
c. 2nd Plowing MAD 6 300 1,800 6 300 1,800
d. 2nd Harrowing MAD 3 300 900 3 300 900
f. Furrowing MAD 3 300 900 3 300 900
2. Basal Fertilizaiton MD 4 150 600 MD 4 150 600
3. Planting MD 8 150 1200 MD 8 150 1200
4. Staking 150 MD 12 150 1,800
5. Weeding/cultivation MAD 15 150 2,250 MAD 15 150 2,250
6. Control of Pest and
Diseases MD 8 150 1,200 MD 8 150 1,200
7. Harvesting (4x) MD 12 x 4 150 7,200 MD 14 x 4 150 8,400
8. Sorting and Packing MD 4x2 150 1,200 MD 4x2 150 1,200
9. Hauling (4x) MD 4 600 MD 4 150 600
Sub-total 21,750 24,750

B. INPUTS
1. Seeds (OPV) kg 25 300 7,500 kg 20 420 8,400
2. Fertilizer
- Complete (14-14-14) bag 3 1,900 5,700 bag 3 1,900 5,700
- Organic Fertilizer bag 20 200 4,000 bab 20 200 4,000
- Foliar Fertilizer box 9 195 1,755 box 9 195 1,755
3. Insecticide liter 3 850 2,550 liter 3 850 2,550
4. Fungicide kg 2 550 1,100 kg 2 550 1,100
5. Polyethylene sack 100 5 500 sack 100 5 500
6. Miscelaneous 1,500 1,500

Sub-total 24,605 25,505

Sub-total (A&B) 46,355 50,255
Contingency (15% of the total labor and material inputs) 6,953.25 7,538.25
GRAND TOTAL 53,308.25 57,793.25

Estimated /Ha 10,000 15,000

Estimated Gross Income 80,000.00 15,000.00
Estimated Gross Margin 26,691.75 91,516.75
Return on Investment (ROI) 50.07% 156.48%
Breakeven Price (kg) 5.33 3.90

MD - man days
 REFERENCES

1. Technopackage for Vegetable Legumes. Agricultural Pilot Center, DA-CVLMROS,

Iguig, Cagayan.

2. Bush Sitao Production Guide. Agricultural Communication Section, Department of

Agriculture Regional Field Unit No. 02, Tuguegarao City

3. Gintong Ani Production Guide for Bush Sitao. Department of Agriculture Regional
Field Unit No. 02, Tuguegarao City
Writer CLARIS M. ALASKA
Agriculturist II, ATI-RTC 02

Writer/Managing Editor MARIA NORMA G. MADDALORA

Information Officer II, ATI-RTC 02

Technical Editors/
Subject Matter Specialists LEONIDA C. DE GUZMAN
Sr. Agriculturist/Vegetable Specialist
DA-CVIARC, Ilagan, Isabela

MAYDA P. CALLUENG
Agriculturist II/Vegetable specialist
DA-CVLMROS, Iguig, Cagayan

CENON B. MALLILLIN
Agriculturist II/Vegetable
IPM Specialist, DA-RCPC
Ilagan, Isabela

MA. VISITACION Z. PERDIDO

Agriculturist II/Vegetable
IPM Specialist, DA-RCPC

Graphic Artists TEODORO B. BAUI

Artist/Illustrator II, ATI-RTC 02

RONALD E. DAGUIO
Knowledge Products Management Division, ATI

Associate Editors THERESA AURORA B. COSICO

BENEDICT C. NATIVIDAD
Knowledge Products Management Division, ATI

Editors ANTONIETA J. ARCEO

Officer-in-Charge
Knowledge Products Management Division, ATI

RENATO A. MAGUIGAD
Center Director
ATI-RTC 02

Consultants ROBERT B. OLINARES

Supervising Agriculturist
HVCC Regional Program Coordinator
DA-RFU 02, Tuguegarao City

ORLANDO J. LORENZANA
RIARC Manager
DA-CVIARC, Ilagan, Isabela

Advisers AD EVELYN ARO-ESQUEJO, MNSA, CESO VI

AD ALBERTO B. MANINGDING, MNSA, CESO IV
DIRECTOR ASTERIO P. SALIOT, MNSA, CESO III
 This brochure is one part of the 11 brochures contained in A
Guide to Lowland Vegetable Production prepared and produced
by the Agricultural Training Institute in cooperation with DA
Regional Field Unit No. 02, Cagayan Valley Integrated Agricul-
tural Research Center (DA-CVIARC), Cagayan Valley Lowland
Marine Research Outreach Station (DA-CVLMROS) ATI-RTC
Cagayan Valley, and the GMA-High Value Commercial Crops
(HVCC) program.

Copyright 2008
For more information, please write or call:

Knowledge Products Management Division Department of Agriculture

Agricultural Training Institute Regional Field Unit No.2
ATI Bldg., Elliptical Rd., Diliman, Quezon City
Trunkline: (63-2) 929-8541 to 49 Loc. 255, 258
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan
Fax Number: (63-2) 920-9792 Telefax: (63-78) 8469131; 8441031; 8463379
Website: www.ati.da.gov.ph E-mail: da_rfu2000@yahoo.com
www.e-extension.gov.ph
Email address:kpmd@ati.da.gov.ph

Ginintuang Masaganang Ani

High Value Commercial Crops (HVCC) Program
4th Floor Department of Agriculture
Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City
Website: htpp://hvcc.da.gov.ph
Email: gmahvcc04@yahoo.com
Telefax: (63-2) 9279460