Topic

Proposal
GROUP 1
11 - EULER
G3 AVENIDO
G4 BALEDA
G9 DE VERA
G10 FRANCISCO
G19 RUADO
Aquatic pteridophyte Azolla (Azolla
pinnata) as bio-fertilizer to enhance
agricultural productivity for sweet
corn (Zea mays L. var Saccharata)
cultivation.
GENERAL
OBJECTIVE

In this study, the researchers will evaluate the

agricultural productivity of Azolla pinnata strains as a
sustainable and effective bio-fertilizer for tropical plant
Zea mays L. var Saccharata.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

Compare the different Azolla Determine the Nitrogen Quantify the agricultural
pinnata strains resistant to concentration in Azolla productivity of sweet corn
high temperature, allowing pinnata to evaluate its viability using the Azolla pinnata bio-
maximum growth rate for for sweet corn cultivation. fertilizer.
tropical crops.
 Farmers. If proven successful, farmers focusing on
sweet corn cultivation may incorporate Azolla
pinnata in growing crops. Azolla pinnata bio-fertilizer
would provide a novel cost-effective fertilizer that is
low maintenance and environmentally friendly.

Horticulture Industry. The Horticulture industry

would benefit from this study by integrating local
fertilizer alternatives for plant nurseries. This study
would provide additional knowledge exploring the
novel practices of cultivating crops in the Philippines.

SIGNIFICANCE Agriculturalists. Agriculturalists may use this study to

expand and improve these possible findings
regarding botany and sustainable agriculture. They
could build on additional research to improve and
enhance this study on the purpose and use of Azolla
pinnata in Agricultural science in the Philippine
setting.
BACKGROUND
A. pinnata is locally distributed in its native range of
Africa, Madagascar, India, Southeast Asia, China,
Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, the New Guinea
mainland, and Australia (CABI.org, 2019).
Azolla pinnata has substantial nitrogen content and
utilized in wetland rice farming for their ability to
preserve considerable amounts of nutrients (Hanafy
& El-Emary, 2018, p. 5). They are easy to grow and
have a short time period for doubling its biomass
which makes them suitable candidates for bio-
production platforms (Aware et al., 2020, p. 1326).
Sweet corn scientifically known as Zea mays L. var
Saccharata is a variety of maize with a high sugar
content.
BACKGROUND
Sweet corn is a heavy user of nitrogen; a 250 bushel
per acre yield goal would require 250 pounds of
Nitrogen available for the growing corn plant
(Krueger, 2018).
Agricultural Productivity refers to productivity
measuring the quantity of output produced with a
given quantity of inputs (Australian Government
Department of Agriculture, Water, and the
Environment, 2021)
Source: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/productivity/measuring-productivity
TENTATIVE Azolla pinnata strains (A. pinnata var. imbricata and
A. pinnata var. pinnata) will be acquired from the

METHODS
Biofertilizer Germplasm Collections at the Philippine
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
Azolla pinnata ferns will be grown then harvested
after 8 to 10 days.
The Azolla strains will be compared in an experiment
between June to September (summer season). The
moist soil used will be incorporated with different
concentrations of the Azolla pinnata strains: 10g and
20g. The researchers will be using 1.25 by 1.25 feet
square blocks of soil for every four to six corn plants.
In total, atleast five square blocks will be used.
The researchers will observe plant growth within
four weeks and determine the ratio of output
(sprouting seedlings) and input (total fertilizer used).
 REFERENCES
Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment. (2021, March 2).
Agricultural productivity - Department of Agriculture. https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-
topics/productivity

Aware, S., Malode, S., Mahure, B., & Pawar, S. (2020). Studies on biochemical profiling and bio
fertilizing efficacy of Azolla (Azolla pinnata) and Duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza). International Journal of
Chemical Studies, 8(3), 1322–1327. https://doi.org/10.22271/chemi.2020.v8.i3r.9382

CABI.org. (2019, November 21). Azolla pinnata (mosquito fern).

https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/8120#34ECF55E-4993-47B7-AA99-91DCB779E0B4

Canatoy, R. (2018). Effects of Vermicompost on the Growth and Yield of Sweet Corn in Bukidnon,
Philippines. Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 3(2), 1–8.
https://doi.org/10.9734/ajsspn/2018/42273
 REFERENCES
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2017, February). Productivity and Efficiency
Measurement in Agriculture. http://www.fao.org

Hanafy, A., & El-Emary, G. A. E. (2018). Role of Azolla Pinnata Biofertilizer Extract in Producing Healthy
Tomatoes. Asian Journal of Research in Biochemistry, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajrb/2018/v3i329832

Krueger, S. (2018, June 17). How Much Nitrogen Does Your Corn Need? Emergence.Fbn.
https://emergence.fbn.com/agronomy/how-much-nitrogen-does-your-corn-need
Growth and Yield performance of
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
fertilized with fermented Lakatan
Banana (Musa acuminata Colla)
GENERAL
OBJECTIVE

In this study, the researchers will evaluate the growth

and yield performance of Solanum lycopersicum
fertilized with fermented Musa acuminata Colla.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Determine the growth and
yield performance of Solanum
lycopersicum fertilized with
fermented Musa acuminata
Colla.
Explore and quantify the Evaluate the effectiveness and
factors affecting the growth viability of Musa acuminata
and yield performance of Colla fertilizer for tomato
Solanum lycopersicum. production.
 Farmers. The study may benefit the farmers in
providing sustainable organic fertilizer that may be
used in cultivating Solanum lycopersicum.

Agriculturalists. The study may benefit the

agriculturalists as this builds on additional research
on the purpose and use of Musa acuminata Colla in
the field of agriculture in the Philippine setting.

Researchers. This study may help other researchers

SIGNIFICANCE as this can serve as reference for future studies. This

study may also be a backbone for other researchers’
studies as well. This study may help increase the
researchers’ knowledge about the factors affecting
the growth and yield performance of Solanum
lycopersicum.
BACKGROUND
Fermented plant juice can spur plant growth
Tomatoes are heat-loving
Cherry tomatoes are common in the
Philippines.
Lakatan banana is the most common
banana in the Philippines.
TENTATIVE
METHODS Collection/preparation of Lakatan
banana and Cherry tomato seeds

Fermentation of Lakatan banana for

2 weeks

Plant 4 sets of Cherry tomato (2

different brands; 2 sets no fertilizer, 2
sets fertilized)
 REFERENCES
Barbano, P. (2020, June 3). Banana peels are good for gardens. Retrieved March, 2021, from
https://www.capegazette.com/article/banana-peels-are-good-gardens/202889

Davenport, N. (2019, January 10). NPK value of everything organic! Retrieved March, 2021, from
https://thenutrientcompany.com/blogs/horticulture/npk-value-of-everything-organic-database

DeJohn, S. (2021, January 22). Growing tomatoes from seed: Gardener's supply. Retrieved March, 2021,
from https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/video-slideshow-growing-tomatoes/7902.html

Ding, Z., Han, L., Jin, Z., Wang, B., Zeng, H., Zheng, W., ... & Zang, X. (2016). Effect of Banana Stalk
Organic Fertilizer on the Growth of Chinese Cabbage. Asian Agricultural Research, 8(1812-2016-144553),
64-68.

Hubilla, E. (2020, May 14). Fermented plant JUICE (FPJ) can spur plant growth. Retrieved March, 2021,
from https://www.agriculture.com.ph/2020/05/14/fermented-plant-juice-fpj-can-spur-plant-growth/
 REFERENCES
Jocson, J. (2020, December 09). Go bananas with these 12 Varieties worth seeking out in the
Philippines. Retrieved March, 2021, from https://pepper.ph/go-bananas-11-varieties-worth-seeking-
philippines/

Racoma, A. D., & Beato, L. L. GROWTH AND YIELD PERFORMANCE OF HOT PEPPER. PROCEEDING
BOOK, 304.

Steffen, L. (2020, March 10). How to make organic fertilizer from scratch Using Bananas, DIY.
Retrieved March, 2021, from https://www.intelligentliving.co/how-to-make-organic-fertilizer-from-
scratch-using-bananas-diy/

Wolfe, K., Wu, X., & Liu, R. H. (2003). Antioxidant activity of apple peels. Journal of agricultural and food
chemistry, 51(3), 609-614.
 Manila Hemp (Musa textilis) leaf
fiber-based filter as a novel
alternative to Minimum Efficiency
Rating Value 11 (MERV 11) Filters for
Residential Heating, Ventilation, and
Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
GENERAL
OBJECTIVE

In this study, the researchers will determine the

feasibility of Manila hemp (Musa textilis) leaf fiber-based
filter as an alternative to Minimum Efficiency Rating
Value 11 (MERV 11) filters for Residential Heating,
Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems and its
degree of filtration.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Evaluate fiber structure and
determine the porosity of
Manila Hemp (Musa textilis)
leaf fiber-based filter using
Microscopy.
Determine the Particle Size Compare the different
Efficiency of Manila Hemp Particulate Matter Category of
(Musa textilis) leaf fibre-based Manila Hemp (Musa textilis)
filter. leaf fiber-based filter with other
fiber-based filters and
residential grade filters.
 Homeowners. If proven successful, residential homes
may adapt Manila Hemp (Musa textilis) leaf fiber-
based filters for ventilation systems. These
mechanical air filters would provide maintainable and
economical alternatives to improve air quality and rid
of harmful particles.

Commercial Establishments. Commercial

establishments may utilize this novel ventilation
system to enhance safety protocols within their
vicinity. Business owners would spend less on
maintenance and can focus on improving the
workplace environment for their employees.

SIGNIFICANCE Researchers and Health Departments. They may use

this study to expand and improve these possible
findings regarding Environmental Protection and Air
Quality Management. Future researchers may use
this study as a basis for their research and topics. They
could refine and enhance this research and continue
investigating and exploring related topics.
BACKGROUND
Abaca fibres (Musa textilis) come from the trunks of
the abaca tree that are commercially grown in just a
few countries. The Philippines is the world’s leading
producer for Abaca, accounting for around 85% of
global supply in 2017, according to the UN Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The Philippine government tested it following the
COVID-19 outbreak and it found it performed well
against standard plastic masks on water resistance
and conformed to international standards. Hence,
there is now a rush for abaca (Kretchmer, 2020).
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
systems are milestones of building mechanical
systems that provide thermal comfort for occupants
accompanied with indoor air quality (Seyam, 2018).
BACKGROUND
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting
Value. MERV ratings are on a scale of one to 20
depending on the minimum size of the particles a
filter can be expected to capture. In the simplest
terms, MERV measures how much matter passes
through an air filter (Davis Air Conditioning &
Heating, Inc., 2021).
The porosity of a filter, defined as the ratio between
the void volume inside its fibers and the total volume,
is a static parameter that provides point source
information about the initial conditions of the
filtering tissue (Yao & Liu, 2019).
Particle Size Efficiency is the fraction (percentage) of
particles that are captured on air filter equipment as
determined during rating tests . Particle Size
Efficiency is measured in three particle size ranges:
0.3-1.0, 1.0-3.0, 3.0-10 micron (Energy Code Ace, n.d.).
BACKGROUND
Particulate Matter (PM), all solid and liquid particles
suspended in the air, is categorized by size: PM10
(0.01mm), PM2.5 (0,0025mm) and PM1 (0.001mm), of
which the latter is the most harmful form. After
inhalation affects the different sizes of particulate
matter in each body in a different way (AFPRO Filters,
2021).
 MERV 11
A MERV 11 filter would make their lives a lot more
comfortable because it can pick up even smaller
particles than a MERV 8 filter. If members of your family
have those health concerns, we recommend a MERV 11
air filter—especially in the spring and summer seasons
(Air Experts Inc, 2017).

MERV 9–12 are the best option for residential use. These
air filters can remove pollutants as small as 1–3 microns,
which includes particles like humidifier dust, auto
emissions and legionella (Air Experts Inc, 2017).
TENTATIVE
The researchers will be using Microscopy to
METHODS determine the pore size and fibre structures of
Manila Hemp (Musa textilis) leaf fibre-based filter.
The researchers will determine the Particle Size
Efficiency of Manila Hemp (Musa textilis) leaf fibre-
based filter using Particle Analysis (e.g. optical
microscopy).
The researchers will compare the Particulate
Matter Category of Manila Hemp (Musa textilis)
leaf fibre-based filter with other fiber filters (such
as linen and wood pulp fiber filters) and
residential-grade filters (such as MERV 8 and
MERV 11 air filters) using Particulate Matter
Sampling (e.g. passive monitoring)
 REFERENCES
AFPRO Filters. (2021, February 25). PM1 Air Filter - AFPRO Filters. AFPRO.
https://www.afprofilters.com/pm1 airfilter/

Camfil Farr Technical Services Bulletin. (n.d.). A Review of Standards 52.1-1992 & 52.2-1999 [E-book]. In
Camfil Farr Technical Services Bulletin (Ed.), ASHRAE Testing for HVAC Air Filtration (pp. 1–8).
http://www.camfil.ee/sites/default/files/pdf/ASHRAE52.pdf

Davis Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. (2021, March 11). An Easy Guide to MERV Ratings for Your AC
Filter. https://davisac.com/blog/an-easy-guide-to-merv-ratings-for-your-ac-filter

Department of Science and Technology-X. (2020). Handmade paper from abaca fiber: Potential
material for face masks? Department of Science and Technology Region X.
https://region10.dost.gov.ph/260-handmade-paper-from-abaca-fiber-potential-material-for-face-masks
 REFERENCES
Energy Code Ace. (n.d.). Particle Size Efficiency. Retrieved April 5, 2021, from
https://energycodeace.com/site/custom/public/reference-ace
2019/index.html#!Documents/gloss_particlesizeefficiency.htm

Food and Agriculture Organization. (n.d.). Future Fibres: Abaca. Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United States. Retrieved April 5, 2021, from
http://www.fao.org/economic/futurefibres/fibres/abaca0/en/

Granger Editorial. (2020, November 2). What Is MERV Rating? Air Filter Rating Chart. Granger.
https://www.grainger.com/know-how/equipment-information/kh-what-is-merv-rating-air-filter-rating-
chart

Olmedo, C. G., Aragon, E. Q., Torrent, J. G., & Ramon, C. F. (2008, January). STUDY OF POROSITY AND
PERMEABILITY OF AIR FILTER MATERIAL IN RESPIRATORY PROTECTION FILTERS - [DBPapers]. Research
Gate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/44008840_Study_of_porosity_and_permeability_of_air_filter_
material_in_respiratory_protection_filters
 REFERENCES
Rosenthal, J. (2020, August 6). Understanding MERV or the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value |
Allergy Clean Environments. Allergy Clean Environments. http://www.allergyclean.com/understanding-
merv-or-the-minimum-efficiency-reporting-value/

Seyam, S. (2018, November 5). Types of HVAC Systems | IntechOpen. Intechopen.

https://www.intechopen.com/books/hvac-system/types-of-hvac-systems

Yao, Y., & Liu, J. (2019). Porosity - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. Science Direct.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/porosity
 Water Hyacinth (Eichornia
crassipes) Leaf Wax as hydrophobic
coating for Reusable Face Mask
Outer Layer.
GENERAL
OBJECTIVE

In this study, the researchers will utilize Eichornia

crassipes leaf wax as hydrophobic coating for cloth face
mask outer layer.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

Aid in reducing further spread Offer environment-friendly Offer livelihood to unemployed

of Covid-19 pandemic. alternatives to disposable citizens.
masks.
 Citizens. The public would benefit from having an
enhanced but cheap protection available in the
market.

Frontliners. Curbing the covid-19 spread will help

efficiency of frontliners in treating covid-19 patients.

Unemployed. This will help generate new livelihood

to aid citizens who recently lost their jobs to the
pandemic.

SIGNIFICANCE Waste Management. There has been a significant rise

in the waste generated with the increased use of
disposable face masks. this study helps offer reusable
face masks to lessen toxic waste
BACKGROUND
Water hyacinths (Eichornia crassipes) from the
Amazon Basin in South America can be commonly
found proliferating in our rivers, creeks, waterways,
and other bodies of water. It is said to have been
introduced to the country in 1912 (Francisco, 2020).

It spreads quickly and clogs its environment and are

considered to be nuisance to boat transport and
other freshwater fishing activities. Additionally, in the
1980s, it has wreaked havoc on the fish pens and
cages in Laguna de Bay when they get washed away
during strong typhoons (Joshi, n.d.).
BACKGROUND
It has also been found out to have significant uses, to
combat its invasiveness and control the damage it
deals to the environment. Its leaves are found to
exhibit hydrophobic properties that can inspire
various utilizations (Solomon et. al., 2017).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, masks have been

integral parts of society's daily lives. It prevents one's
respiratory droplets from dispersing directly into
open air and possibly reaching others, which may
cause the passing of the virus (CDC, 2021).
TENTATIVE
METHODS Collection/preparation of water
hyacinth leaves

Procurement of leaf wax coating

Application to common reusable

face mask as hydrophobic outer
layer

Assessment of hydrophobicity
through contact angle
measurement
 REFERENCES
Prakash. N, H., M, M., Solomon, I., Sarma, B., & Sarma, A. (2017). Structural and characteristics change
of water HYACINTH fiber due to Combine effect of plasma and nano-technology. American Journal of
Materials Science and Engineering, 5(1), 17-27. doi:10.12691/ajmse-5-1-3

Francisco, M. A. (2020, December 20). Why is the water hyacinth a notorious aquatic pest? Retrieved
April 05, 2021, from https://www.flipscience.ph/plants-and-animals/water-
hyacinth/#:~:text=Historical%20accounts%20say%20that%20the,the%20latter's%20rising%20water%20lev
el

Lalitha, P., Sripathi, S. K., & Jayanthi, P. (2012). Secondary metabolites of Eichhornia crassipes
(waterhyacinth): A Review (1949 to 2011). Natural Product Communications, 7(9).
doi:10.1177/1934578x1200700939

Joshi, R. C. (2006). Invasive alien species (IAS): concerns and status in the Philippines. In Proceedings
of the International Workshop on the Development of Database (APASD) for Biological Invasion. FFTC,
Taichung, Taiwan, China (pp. 1-23).
Development and Evaluation of
black pepper (Piper nigrum)
Polyherbal Gel for Antimicrobial
Activity
GENERAL
OBJECTIVE

In this study, the researcher will formulate Piper

nigrum polyherbal gel and evaluate its antimicrobial
activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus
aureus.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

Formulate a polyherbal gel Explore and quantify the Evaluate the effectiveness and
containing Piper nigrum leaf antimicrobial activity of Piper viability of Piper nigrum
extract. nigrum polyherbal gel against polyherbal gel for antimicrobial
Escherichia coli and treatment.
Staphylococcus aureus.
 Health Professionals or Practitioners. This study may
benefit the health professionals or practitioners in
developing new and advanced medical tools that
may be used for antimicrobial treatment.

Cultivators of Piper nigrum. The cultivators of Piper

nigrum may benefit in this study since it will increase
the demand for Piper nigrum when the Piper nigrum
polyherbal gel becomes widely used.

Researchers. This study may help other researchers

SIGNIFICANCE as this can serve as reference for future studies. This

study may also be a backbone for other researchers’
studies as well. This study will help increase the
researchers’ knowledge about the formulation of
polyherbal gel and the antimicrobial properties of
Piper nigrum.
BACKGROUND
Based on research where they used
Akapulko.
Black pepper has Piperine, an alkaloid, which
is an antimicrobial agent
Polyherbal gels have wound healing, anti-
inflammatory, and antioxidant activities
TENTATIVE
METHODS Collection of Black pepper leaves

Preparation of methanolic/ethanolic
extract

Preparation/development of
polyherbal gel

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity

 REFERENCES
Cowan, M. M. (1999). Plant products as antimicrobial agents. Clinical microbiology reviews, 12(4), 564-
582.

Dev, S. K., Choudhury, P. K., Srivastava, R., & Sharma, M. (2019). Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and
wound healing activity of polyherbal formulation. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 111, 555-567.

Iraqui, P., Chakraborty, T., Das, M. K., & Yadav, R. N. S. (2019). Herbal antimicrobial gel with leaf extract
of Cassia alata L. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, 9(3), 82-94.

Patel, N. A., Patel, M., & Patel, R. P. (2011). Formulation and evaluation of polyherbal gel for wound
healing. International Research journal of pharmaceuticals, 1(1), 15-20.

Tejero, R. R., Valdellon, T. C., & Maron, M. Y. (1981). Production and marketing of blackpepper in
Batangas [Philippines]. Agricultural Marketing Report (Philippines).