CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

“The hardest thing to see is what is in front of your eyes.” – Johann

Wolfgang von Goethe

Plants are everywhere. They cover the face of the earth. They were just

treated as a reliable food source in ancient times, but today, numerous benefits have been

given by these wondrous creations. One of these plants is the Moringa Oleifera,

commonly known as horseradish and locally known as malunggay. Moringa is now

among the priorities of the national government in its research and development

programs because of its innumerable benefits.

In fact, the malunggay plant has permeated every facet of human life via

agriculture, health, commercial, and industrial uses to name a few. One of the reasons for

great popularity of this plant is due to tremendous range of nutrients inherent in them.

Hence, the search for all the possibilities of this plant as a contributor to the development

of the country has been highly given importance. Since moringa is a low-cost and easy to

procure type of plant, they have been spread throughout the country with benefits

unknown to many. One of these is the viability of malunggay as a plant fortifier. Many

people use synthetic fertilizers to give extra life to their lawn and garden, but only a few

people consider the potential drawbacks of these fertilizers. In an effort to be as

1
environmentally conscious as possible, it is important to consider the potentially harmful

effects of fertilizers as well as the benefits. The use of organic fertilizer offers a safer

alternative to synthetic options. Their use is tied with the rise in organic farming.

Malunggay, as simple as it may seem, can go a long way in providing that extra care

plants need, without unlikely consequences.

Indeed, malunggay has come a long way from being an ordinary green edible

to becoming the next big thing in Philippine agriculture and, possibly, in our country’s

development, causing the rise of the lowly Moringa Oleifera.

Background of the Study

Since Moringa has a remarkable value, the researchers were motivated to

search for its other uses. Based from previous studies, they have found out that it could be

a possible plant growth hormone. Malunggay plant has a rich protein content which is

needed by growing crops and plants. By producing an organic plant enhancer made up of

the juice of the leaves of the malunggay, the researchers do not only procure better plants,

but also help in reducing the damage already done by synthetic and chemical ways of

growing greens.

2
Statement of the Problem

The researchers will probe and query further if the extract from the leaves of

moringa oleifera can be used as a plant growth hormone to produce high-quality plants.

Specifically, the researchers would like to know the answer of the following

questions:

1. How to produce a plant growth enhancer from malunggay leaves?

2. Would there be a considerable effect of the malunggay leaves extract to the

growth of a plant?

Significance of the Study

This study is important because it will support the researchers in their beliefs

that the juice of the leaves of the malunggay can be used as an organic plant enhancer in

chili plants and reducing the risks of the harmful effects brought about by synthetic

fertilizers.

Furthermore, it would give the readers a lucid view of what moringa is

capable of how it is beneficial to different aspects of human lives, in agriculture, the

human aspects of survival.

3
Scope and Limitations

This research will cover the possibility of moringa oleifera extract as a plant

growth enhancer and how it will be applicable for use in chili plants.

This research study aims to help the government cut costs in developing

chemical fertilizers which has been very expensive. Also, it seeks to spread awareness to

each and every one of the innumerable benefits of the malunggay plant, and one of them

is as a plant growth hormone.

This study is limited only on a small scale production, typically a garden

setting, thus, restricting the revelation of the effects of the enhancer on a large scale basis.

Hypothesis

To help the researchers answer their questions, the following hypothesis

were formulated:

Ho: Malunggay leaves extract is not an effective plant growth enhancer neither a

substitute for organic fertilizer.

Hi: The researchers propose that malunggay extract can be utilized as an effective plant

growth hormone and that it can also reduce the risk of plant disease, making it an

efficient pesticide, too, aside from being a plant growth enhancer as a substitute to

inorganic ways of growing plants.

4
Definition of Terms

 Fertilizer - a chemical or natural substance added to soil to increase its fertility;

manure

 Organic - Of, relating to, or derived from living matter

 Synthetic – artificial

 Enhancer - to make greater, as in value, beauty, or effectiveness; augment

 Extract - a concentrated preparation of a drug

 Pesticide - a substance used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to

cultivated plants or to animals

5
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Related Readings

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10068

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

SENATE SB NO. 1799

This bill seeks to spur the production, processing, marketing, and distribution of

malunggay in suitable areas of the country in order to acquire the benefits of the

exceptionally nutritious and productive but underutilized tropical crop locally known as

malunggay.

6
Related Literature

“Malunggay” in the Philippines, “Sajina” in the Indian Subcontinent, and

“Moringa” in English, it is a popular tree. Many Asians use the leaves of Malunggay

(Sajina) like spinach and also the fruit it produces as a vegetable, like asparagus. It only

used to be known as a vegetable for lactating mothers. But new scientific studies say that

malunggay has medicinal and market possibilities.

Touted by scientists as a “miracle vegetable,” malunggay has been promoted by

the World Health Organization (WHO) for the past 20 years as a low-cost health

enhancer in poor countries around the globe.

Malunggay trees are generally grown in the backyards. The small, oval, dark-

green leaves are famous vegetable ingredient in soup, fish and chicken dishes.

Scientifically, called ‘Moringa oleifera.’ this vegetable, despite its legendary potentials, is

still relatively unknown.

“The sale of all forms of vitamins, minerals, and health supplements is a big

business,” points out Moringa Zinga, an American company that promotes and sells

malunggay products in capsules. “If you are a company selling hundreds of nutritional

products, why would you sell a product that will wipe out all your other products? This is

true for the pharmaceutical industries as well. These industries affect the general public to

remain ignorant about the moringa leaves.”

7
 According to the Biotechnology Program Office of the Department of

Agriculture, the malunggay has been found by biochemists and molecular anthropologists

to be rich in vitamins C and A, iron, and high density lipoprotein or good cholesterol.

Due to its high calcium content (four times the calcium in milk), lactating mothers

in the Philippines are often advised to consume malunggay leaves to produce more milk

for their babies. The young malunggay leaves are being boiled and drink as tea.

Malunggay leaves are loaded with nutrients. Gram for gram, malunggay leaves

also contain two times the protein in milk. Likewise, it contains three times the potassium

in bananas and four times the vitamin A in carrots.

Health nutritionists claim that an ounce of malunggay has the same Vitamin C

content as seven oranges. An important function of vitamin C not known to many is its

being an antioxidant. In fact, it has been recognized and accepted by the US Food and

Drug Administration as one of the four dietary antioxidants, the others being vitamin E,

beta-carotene and selenium. (A dietary oxidant is a substance in food that significantly

decreases the adverse effects of harmful chemicals).

There are more health benefits. Vivencio Mamaril, of the Bureau of Plant

Industry, told a national daily that in India, malunggay is used in treating various

ailments. A 2001 study in India has found that the fresh root of the young tree can be

used to treat fever. Asthmatics are advised to drink the infusion from the roots of the

plant.

8
 Tender malunggay leaves also reduce phlegm and are administered internally for

scurvy and catarrhal conditions, while the flowers are used to heal inflammation of the

tendons and abscesses. Unripe pods of malunggay are also reported to prevent intestinal

worms, while the fruit also prevents eye disorders.

Other studies have shown that eating malunggay fruits can lead to higher semen

count. This is good news for men who are having problems in siring children. They can

now count on the malunggay to cork its magic on them.

Because of its nutritional content, malunggay strengthens the immune system,

restores skin condition, controls blood pressure, relieves headaches and migraines,

manages the sugar level thereby preventing diabetes, reduces inflammations and arthritis

pains, restricts the growth of tumors, and heals ulcers. This information comes from Dr.

Kumar Pati, an Indian doctor who is an expert in natural medicine.

The “next big thing” in Philippine agriculture. That is how the agriculture

department considers malunggay. Malunggay can save lives, increase incomes, generate

millions of jobs, utilize vast tracts of idle agricultural lands, make the Philippines

globally competitive, impact local and international market, and help attain

socioeconomic equity,” explained Alice Ilaga, director of the DA’s Biotechnology

Program.

Besides being sold in the public market as a vegetable, is there really a market for

malunggay products? “The Philippines is currently in the midst of developing the local

market for malunggay and its products,” said a statement released by Biotechnology

9
Program, which aggressively aims to develop the agribusiness potentials of various crops

as part of the government’s poverty-alleviation program. “Despite being behind other

countries such as India and Nicaragua, the Philippines’ malunggay industry is on its way

to becoming a global competitor.”

In a press statement, Ilaga reported that the Nutrition Center of the Philippines is

setting its sights on fortifying different types of food. “Given its nutritional value, it can

be utilized in fortifying sauces, juices, milk, bread, and most importantly, instant

noodles,” Ilaga says.

According to Ilaga, a multinational food company reportedly has expressed keen

interest in putting up a processing plant in the Philippines for this purpose. “A noodle

company is also eyeing malunggay for bio-fortification of noodles as part of its

commitment to support the program to fight malnutrition, which is prevalent in the

countryside,” she added.

The seeds of malunggay contain 40% oil, which is considered excellent massage

oil. As part of its program to promote biotechnology, the agriculture department has

strategically positioned itself for the commercial planting of seeds for malunggay oil

production.

“The Philippines can penetrate the international market in producing malunggay

oil from its seeds using advance technology to extract oil from enzymes,” Ilaga disclosed.

10
 One local company that is leading in malunggay production is SECURA

International. After entering into malunggay production for more than a year, it expects a

bright future for the malunggay industry.

In an interview with a news dispatch, SECURA president Danny Manayaga

admits that for the country to really take advantage of the market, it should first ensure

that there is enough supply to support it. “‘The market is developing, but up to now, we

still don’t know the extent of this market because we have not yet defined our capacity to

produce malunggay,” he disclosed.

“We are involved with contract growers from different towns all over the country

such as Valencia in Negros Oriental, Masinloc and Botolan in Zambales, Alaminos and

Infanta in Pangasinan, and Bamban in Tarlac, which accounts for 150 hectares of our

malunggay supply for our current market but it is not enough to sustain the demands for

other products such as moringa oil,” Manayaga said.

SECURA needs at least 20,000 hectares to be able to support the available market

for malunggay products. Currently, it is involved in processing dehydrated malunggay

leaves to produce tea and as an additive to other medicinal plants to produce herbal tea.

“This is the only active market that is running for malunggay now,” Manayaga said.

Unknown to many Filipinos, malunggay has the ability to purify water. “The

crushed moringa seeds can clear very turbid water,” said Dr. John Sutherland, of

Leicester University’s Department of Environmental Technology. He added that

11
powdered malunggay seeds are appropriate for water purification in rural areas of tropical

countries.

Planting malunggay trees can also help stabilize soil and contribute to fight

against deforestation. The malunggay tree is highly resistant to drought and needs little

care. It is fast-growing and lives for average of 50 years. Each tree can produce

approximately 10,000 seeds a year. It also makes an excellent fuel and fertilizer.

A tropical species, malunggay can tolerate temperatures up to 48 degrees

Centigrade, but 15 degrees to 35 degrees Centigrade is considered best. It grows in areas

with annual rainfall of 760 to 2250 millimeters.

Is planting malunggay profitable? According to Ilaga, for a hectare of malunggay,

the estimated net income per year is P150,000

Most fertilizers contain about the same basic materials: nitrogen, potassium,

phosphorus and sometimes other nutrients, like zinc, needed for healthy plant growth.

Many people use fertilizers to give extra life to their lawn and garden, but few people

consider the potential drawbacks of these fertilizers. In an effort to be as environmentally

conscious as possible, it is important to consider the potentially harmful effects of

fertilizers as well as the benefits.

The most significant harmful effects come from fertilizer that is designed to kill

or prevent weeds. According to the EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs, 12 of the most

popular pesticides in the United States have ingredients known to cause cancer. Organic

fertilizers are guaranteed to be safe for the environment, the body and free of pesticides.

12
 While fertilizers may be beneficial to the plants, they are not always as healthy for

the rest of the environment. Many of the "quick-release" fertilizers have been known to

lead to oxygen loss in waterways due to runoff into the street and, as a result, into the

water. High amounts of nitrogen can find their way into waterways in this way, causing

an excess of algae and a resulting loss of oxygen in the water. This can have a negative

effect on fish and other wildlife in the water.

Many people do not realize that some fertilizers are made from the residuals of

waste water treatment facilities or recycled from other areas that cause them to test

positive for toxic waste. According to the federation of Public Interest Research Groups

(PIRG), 29 popular fertilizers tested positive for 22 toxic heavy metals, including silver,

nickel, selenium, thallium and vanadium. All of the metals found are linked directly to

human health hazards.

The basic purpose of organic fertilizers is to improve the soil quality by amending

it with nutrients it may lack. The International Fertilizer Industry Association defines

fertilizers as materials containing 5 percent of more of the three essential plant nutrients:

nitrogen, phosphorus and phosphate.

Nitrogen is vital for plant growth. The atmosphere contains about 78 percent

nitrogen, explains the International Plant Nutrition Institute. However, this atmospheric

form is not usable by plants. Organic fertilizers provide nitrogen in a usable form, which

will help improve plant growth while neither burning roots nor destroying beneficial

micro-organisms in the soil.

13
 A healthy plant has the biological capacity to fend off some cases of disease.

When a plant is stressed due to lack of nutrients, its growth slows. Its ability to ward off

disease-carrying bacteria and fungi weakens. Organic fertilizers help prevent diseases by

meeting the plants' nutritional needs. This action removes a serious source of stress.

As with disease, organic fertilizers can help plants resist parasitic infestations by

insects and other agents. Parasites may attack plants at a site of injury. A healthy plant is

actively growing plant tissue during the growing season and can repair the damage,

setting up a barrier against parasites.

In addition to healthy growth, organic fertilizers play another role in parasite

prevention. A 2006 study in the "Journal of Vegetable Science" found that organic

broccoli and other vegetables treated with organic fertilizers attracted less insect pests.

Leaf scorch describes a non-disease, non-parasitic condition in plants, which

causes yellowing and damage to leaves of ornamental trees and shrubs. It is caused by

unhealthy conditions or drainage issues with soils.

In nature, decomposition of organic matter creates a natural fertilizer. Applying

organic compost or well-aged herbivore manure adds nutrient-rich organic material to the

soil, improving quality and texture. Adding organic material to the soil increases its

ability to hold water; reduces erosion from water and wind; decreases compaction and

crusting of the soil; and raises soil pH. A study at Virginia Tech comparing organic or

inorganic fertilizers determined that organic fertilizer is the better choice. Creating your

own organic fertilizer from leaves, grass clippings, kitchen scraps and yard debris

recycles waste into valuable, no-cost fertilizer. Natural fertilizers are less likely to burn

14
tender, young plants as they are less concentrated than chemical formulas. You may also

want the peace of mind of knowing the food you cultivate is free of noxious chemicals.

Natural fertilizers are chemical-free and can save you money.

Natural fertilizers are slow to break down into the nutrients the growing garden

requires. Many natural fertilizers, such as manure, seaweed or fish oil, are quite smelly

and are too offensive to use on indoor plants. Gathering natural materials, such as

seaweed, grass clippings and leaves, to add to the compost pile is labor-intensive and

time-consuming. Distribution of nutrients in organic fertilizer varies. Organic materials

break down at different rates, so the composition and content of organic fertilizer is never

consistent. It is a misconception to believe that just because a fertilizer is organic, it is

automatically safer. Organic fertilizer, if you apply it incorrectly, can contribute to

surface and groundwater contamination, create a nutritional imbalance in the soil and

cause salt burns.

Chemical fertilizers are made with synthetic ingredients designed to stimulate

plant growth. Commercial chemical fertilizers have the advantage of predictability and

reliability. Formulations are blended with accuracy and you can buy different blends for

different types of plants. Commercial chemical fertilizers contain a balanced distribution

of the three main essential nutrients needed for optimum plant growth: nitrogen,

phosphorous and potassium. Many formulas also contain iron, sulfur and cooper. The

amount of the three main ingredients are listed in that order, by percentage, on

commercial fertilizer labels as the N-P-K ratio. Percentages of trace minerals are not

15
always listed. Commercial formulated fertilizers allow you to know exactly which

nutrients you're giving your plants, rather than guessing at the composition of organic

formulas.

Commercial chemical fertilizers are more expensive than natural fertilizers. They

may contain ingredients that may be toxic to the skin or respiratory system. You also

need to mix and measure them accurately. If you use too much, you can kill your plants.

Chemical fertilizers can build up in the soil, causing long-term imbalances in soil pH and

fertility.

Related Studies

Dried Papaya Leaves as Organic Mulch for Tomato Plants

Mulching in agricultural provides a safe yet equally profitable method of

enriching and fertilizing the soil planted with crops. Most often-used mulches are of

organic composition, such as dry leaves and barks. Unlike synthetic fertilizers and

herbicides, these organic mulches pose no or little damage to the soil and crops.

In this study, the effectiveness of dried papaya leaves as organic mulch for tomato

was tested. Papaya mulches in different thickness were applied on plots planted with

tomato in three replications. After the determined period of mulch application, the

researchers application, the researchers measured the height increases of tomato plants

and the weed density in the plots. It was concluded that papaya mulch significantly

16
promoted height increase of tomato plants and inhibited the growth of weeds. The best

mulch was 3 inches in thickness.

Usually defined as the use of organic and biodegradable materials to give plants

the nutrients they need, organic farming proved to be the safest and most effective

method of increasing and sustaining yield. Various methods fall under organic farming,

such as composting, green manuring, legume inoculating, and utilizing animal manure as

fertilizers.

Mulching is a simple process that increases soil fertility and regulating several

factors affecting overall plant growth. In this method, a layer of material-the mulch-is

placed on soil surface around the plant. The mulch is used to retard the growth of weeds,

protect roots and stems from sudden or extreme temperature changes, reduce soil erosion

by wind and water, retard runoff of rainfall, prevent soil puddling by breaking the impact

of raindrops, and keep flowers and fruits from being spattered with mud during

rainstorms.

Researchers: Ma. Theresa C. Acayen, Leizel G. Magdaraog, Levin G. Matriano, Leslie

Mae D. Rivero | Adviser: Ms. Marie Christine W. Merca | Philippine Science High

School Bicol Region Campus

Moringa: A Miracle Plant for Agro-forestry

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) has gained much importance in the recent days due to

its multiple used and benefits to agriculture and industry. Regarded as a miracle plant, all

17
the parts of moringa plant are used for medicinal and other purposes. Recently, the roles

of aqueous extracts of various parts in enhancing plant growth and productivity have

been explored, making it even more valuable plant species. The focus of this review is to

encompass the research so far conducted in exploring the potential of moringa for

medicinal uses, moringa oil as lubricant in industry as well as biodiesel, as biopesticide,

as nutritional source, in enhancing plant growth and productivity both of the normally

growing and stressed plants. Special focus has also been places on the recent research

efforts carried out at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. We believe that this

review will help further exploring the novel avenues of research using Morigna as a

valuable plant for benefits of mankind. © 2012 Friends Science Publishers

M.ASHFAQ1, SHAHZAD M.A.BASRA AND UMAIR ASHFAQ

Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

GC University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Corresponding author’s e-mail: deanagriuaf@yahoo.com

Moringa leaf extract (MLE): a natural plant growth enhancer

Leaves of Moringa oleifera are rich in zeatin, a cytokinin in addition to other

growth enhancing compounds like ascorbates, phenolic and minerals like Ca, K, and Fe

that makes it an excellent crop growth enhancer.

18
 Moringa leaf extract is best used as plant growth enhancer. Foidle (1999) carried

out a project named “Biomasa” to grow Moringa and explored the foliar effects of its

extract at World Environment Day 16th June-2011 45 three different concentration i.e.,

low (12.5 g MLE in 100 ml water), medium (25g MLE in 100 ml water) and high (50g

MLE in 100 ml water) on radish and bean (25 ml per plant).

It was reported that medium level of MLE was more effective than other

treatments. There was an increase of 94% in radish and 65% in bean because of MLE

application. Lab experimentation had shown that Moringa spray had a widerange of

beneficial effects on plant crops. Effects of spray indicated accelerated growth of young

plants. Plants were firmer, more resistant to pests and disease, longer life-span, heavier

roots, stems and leaves, produced more fruit, larger fruit, increase in yield 20-35% even if

a fraction of these results could be reproduced in the field it could be a great help in

increasing food supplies for millions of hungry people (Foidle et al., 2001).

GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF COBB BROILERS GIVEN VARYING

CONCENTRATIONS OF MALUNGGAY (Moringa oleifera Lam.)

AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT

ABSTRACT: A study was conducted to determine the growth performance of Cobb

broilers supplemented with varying concentrations of Moringa oleifera Aqueous Leaf

Extract (MoALE) via the drinking water. A total of four hundred day-old chicks were

19
randomly distributed into four treatment groups, replicated four times with twenty-five

broilers per replicate. The growth performance of broilers was evaluated based on their

feed consumption, live weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and return of investment

(ROI). Results of the study showed that at 90 mL MoALE (T3), the feed consumption of

broilers was consistently lower than the control group (T0) and this was statistically

significant (P<0.01). The live weight of broilers given 30 mL (T1), 60 mL (T2) and 90

mL (T3) MoALEs were significantly higher than the control group (T0) and this was also

statistically significant (P<0.01). In terms of feed conversion ratio (FCR), the MoALE

treated broilers (T1-T3) were more efficient converter of feeds into meat than the control

group (T0) and this was statistically significant (P<0.01). Furthermore, the return of

investment (ROI) of MoALE treated broilers (T1-T3) was significantly higher (P<0.01)

than the control group (T0) with a revenue per peso invested of Php 0.62 in T1 and T2,

and Php 0.63 in T3 compared to Php 0.50 in T0.

H.P. PORTUGALIZA and T.J. FERNANDEZ, JR

College of Veterinary Medicine, Visayas State University, Visca, Baybay City, Leyte

6521-A, Philippines

*Email: horpor17@yahoo.com.ph

20
 CHAPTER III

METHODS OF RESEARCH

This chapter presents the manner by which this research will be achieved. The

altercations appending the research design, methods and techniques to be manipulated in

the study. This also comprehends the population and sample of the study, the research

instruments, and the construction and validation of instrument. Lastly, this chapter

comprises the data gathering procedure, the data processing and the statistical treatment

bestowed.

Moringa Leaf Extract As A Tomato Plant Growth Hormone

Materials

Malunggay leaves, blender, dry clean cloth, basin, spray bottle, chili seeds, pots, one for

the control and one for the experimental, water, soil, shovel

Procedure

a) Make an extract by grinding young moringa shoots (not more than 40 days old)

together with a bit of water (about 100 mililiters per 10 g fresh material).

21
b) Filter the solid out of the solution. This can be done by placing the solution in a cloth

and wringing out the liquid. The solid matter, which will contain 12-14% protein, can be

used as livestock feed.

c) Dilute the extract with water (one tablespoon per 25 ml ratio) and spray directly onto

plants (if the extract is not going to be used within five hours, it is best stored in a freezer

until needed). Apply about 50 ml on the experimental variable.

Note: The foliar spray should be applied 10 days after the first shoots emerge from the

soil, again about 30 days before plants begin to flower, again when seed appears and

finally once more during the maturation phase.

22
 CHAPTER IV

PRESENTATION OF ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Overview of this chapter

The conduct of this study entails a detailed account of the daily

observation of the control and experimental variables. It is assumed that the

attributes of the plant sample affects the adaptation of the plant growth hormone.

Of particular significance to the achievement of the goals and objectives of the

study – which is to be an instrument of analysis to gauge where it is now and

where it is heading, thus what changes are to be made – is to be able to answer the

research questions.

To record the effects of the malunggay leaves extract, the control variable

or plant A was given an equal amount of sunlight and water as with plant B or the

experimental variable. The only difference made was the control was left to grow

under normal circumstances like a normal plant should be. On the other hand, 50

ml of the foliar spray was applied to plant B. Ten (10) days after the first shoots

emerge from the soil, apply again. About thirty (30) days before plants begin to

flower, again when seed appears and finally once more during the maturation

phase.

23
 Table 1.1

Change in Height (cm)

Control
3
Experimental

0
day 1 day 5 day 10 day 15 day 20 day 25 day 30

The graph explains that plant B, which happens to be the experimental

variable, have reached the height of maturity earlier than the control variable. This

data show the one(1) month observation of the researchers regarding the changes

in height of the two variables.

24
 Table 1.2

Number of Leaves

12

10

6 control
Experimental

0
1st week 2nd week 3rd week 4th week

The table represents the development of the plant’s leaves. It shows that

the experimental variable has been able to grow the greater amount of leaves. It

also shows that the experimental plant has been able to have the leaves that look

fuller and greener than the control variable.

25
 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

Plants give us many benefits not just as food but for other purposes as

well. One of these plants is Moringa Oleifera or commonly known as Malunggay.

The process by which the leaves are extracted gives the result showing that the

Moringa Oleifera plant enhancer is effective in helping the plant in its growth. In

terms of qualities, the experimental plant, over 1 week, reached a height of

maturity earlier than the control. Its leaves look fuller. Due to the observations,

the researchers predict that the Malunggay leaves extract is a probable plant

growth hormone.

Conclusions

This research study concludes that Moringa Oleifera leaves extract is

capable when use as a plant growth enhancer. Since Moringa Oleifera, commonly

known as Malunggay, has a rich high protein content which is needed by growing

crops and plant, it is capable in producing organic plant enhancer.

26
Recommendations

The world has already procured a wide range of malunggay products and

since many of Malunggay products are mainstream, the researchers recommend

that this plant growth hormone be introduced to the public especially for those

people who want to grow plant at a fast phase on their backyard . The researchers

also suggest that the future researchers should follow the specific steps strictly in

spraying the plant growth hormone in accordance to the plant’s maturity phase

since the researchers could not because of the limited time frame provided. Since,

it is made up of organic materials; it has the advantages of commercial chemical

fertilizers without the harmful effects.

27
 APPENDIX

Tables

12

10

6 control
Experimental
4

0
1st week 2nd week 3rd week 4th week

Table 1.1
Change in Height (cm)

Control
3
Experimental
2

0
day 1 day 5 day 10 day 15 day 20 day 25 day 30

Table 1.2
Changes in the Number of Leaves

28
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Africa, M.D.M (2010). General information about malunggay. Philippine Moringa: The
Golden Green Industry

Arellano, Bernadette. Moringa Philippines Foundation, Inc. Personal Interview,

February 2010.

Benavides, Jesus, Alex Rall, David Salamon and Jose Torbay. Moringa Oil Market
Outlook. 2008.

Biotech for Life

DA Biotech Program

Go, Ian. DA unit funds Malunggay BIONegosyo project. Biolife magazine (2009, Issue
Number 1), p. 28.

Personal Interview, DA Biotechnology Program Office.

Petalcorin, Gaudencio, Ph.D., Biotechnology Information and Organization Network

(BIONet). Telephone Interview, February 2010.

Philippine Information Agency

Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture
(SEARCA) - Biotechnology Information Center

The Medicinal Magic of Malunggay. Unilab Consumer Health News, November 2007.

Various company websites.

Yap, Lim feed 200 poor children with Malunggay-fortified porridge. The Daily Tribune,
January 2009.

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 Curriculum Vitae

Name: Jayne Kazandra P. Ortega

Nickname: Kazy

Date of Birth: October 16, 1997 Place of Birth: Baguio City

Age: 15

Height:5’2” Weight: 56 kg

Father’s Name: Jason R. Ortega

Mother’s Name: Glenda P. Ortega

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Favorite Color: Blue green

Favorite Book: The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

Favorite Food: Pizza

Hobbies: Reading, singing, writing, surfing the Net

Educational Attainment: Elementary Graduate and currently in High School

Motto: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to change you is the greatest
accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ambition: To be happy.

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 Curriculum Vitae

Name: Mary Marlet Alellie Santos Saladino

Nickname:Let

Date of Birth:June 7, 1997 Place of Birth:San Marcelino, Zambales

Age:15

Height:5’2” Weight:40 kg

Father’s Name:Alfredo M. Saladino Jr.

Mother’s Name:Nellie S. Saladino

Zodiac Sign:Gemini

Favorite Color:Violet

Favorite Book:Crossing Oceans

Favorite Food:Seafoods

Hobbies:Playing, Reading, Singing

Educational Attainment:Elementary Graduate. Currently in Highschool

Motto: Optimism is the Faith that leads to Suuccess. Nothing can be done without hope
and confidence.

Ambition: To be happy and to fulfill God’s will for me.

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 Curriculum Vitae

Name: Daniel Omaña Mirabueno

Nickname: Dan

Date of Birth: May 31, 1996 Place of Birth: Olongapo City

Age: 16

Height:5’4’’ Weight: 49 kg

Father’s Name: Dr. Tirso C. Mirabueno

Mother’s Name: Mrs. Lydia O. Mirabueno

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Book: The Li

ttle Prince

Favorite Food: Burger

Hobbies: Singing, Dancing, Watching T.V., playing computer games

Educational Attainment: Elementary Graduate

Motto: “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without
hope and confidence.”

Ambition: To be a successful doctor.

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 Curriculum Vitae

Name: Franz Beryl M. Valenzuela

Nickname: Bboy

Date of Birth: April 19, 1997 Place of Birth: Olongapo City

Age: 15

Height:181 Weight: 64

Father’s Name: Bernardo T. Valenzuela

Mother’s Name: Annabel M. Valenzuela

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Book: Readers Digest

Favorite Food: Adobo, egg, hotdog, anything

Hobbies: Eating, Reading, Playing Computer Games, Sports and others.

Educational Attainment: Elementary Graduate

Motto: “Everything happens for a reason”

Ambition: To be a successful engineer.

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 Curriculum Vitae

Name: Jan Emyl Matawaran Dela Cruz

Nickname: Emyl

Date of Birth: January 3, 1997 Place of Birth: Plaridel, Bulacan

Age: 16

Height: 171 cm Weight: 62 kg

Father’s Name: Ruel Salonga Dela Cruz

Mother’s Name: Lorna Ebueng Matawaran

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Book: The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins

Favorite Food: Anything edible but especially bananas and milk

Hobbies: Eating, Reading, Sleeping, Playing Chess, and Cooking

Educational Attainment: Elementary Graduate, Secondary Graduate

Motto: “Happiness is made not found but it is made by the people around you.” -
Anonymous

Ambition: To be a successful person and a successful lover.

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