EFFECTS OF GOLDEN APPLE SNAIL AMINO ACIDS IN GROWTH AND

FRUIT QUALITY OF TOMATO (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

A Thesis
Presented to the Faculty of
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED FIELDS
MINDORO STATE UNIVERSITY
Main campus
Alcate, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HORTICULTURE

By

Jessa F. Bersoto
Crizalyn Noblado
Jovan Pareño

March 2022
 Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Nature and Importance of the Study

Current world production of tomato is about 170.75

million tons of fresh fruit produced on 5.02 million

hectares in over 150 countries. The tomato plant has been

bred to improve productivity and fruit quality. Because of

its popularity and use in cooking and processing, tomatoes

are one of the most profitable vegetable crops. However,

tomato production is also labor-intensive and prone to

production problems that can reduce both yield and quality

of fruits which in turn reduces grower’s income (Khan,

2017). Tomatoes are the major dietary source of the

antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health

benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and

cancer. They are also a great source of vitamin C,

potassium, folate, and potassium. The water content of

tomatoes is around 95% and the remaining 5% consists mainly

of carbohydrates and fiber (Bjarnadottir, 2019). In 2020,

the volume of tomatoes produced in the Philippines amounted

to approximately 222 thousand metric tons. The production

volume of tomatoes in the country reached its peak in 2019

(Statista, 2020).
 The most important production problems faced by growers

are high input cost, low product price, pesticides and

diseases, marketing and others. Some common problems of

tomato plant include prone to stunted growth, nitrogen

deficiency and blossom end rot which can result to low

production. But there are some low costs solution that can

prevent those problems, such as using different concoctions

like kuhol amino acids (KAA).

The Fish Amino Acids (FAA) is the result of fermented

fish, it contains abundant among of nutrient such as

nitrogen and protein, that was good not only to plant but

also for microorganism. Because of its liquid state, it can

be used as a foliar spray that will help for the plant to

absorb. Due to scarcity supply of fish FAA and not available

all the time, the use Golden apple snail as alternative for

fish.

The Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata) is

originated from Malaysia. Since it is not really ours, it

has become a pest because it has no predators here unlike in

the country of origin. So, it multiplied rapidly in the

field and caused the destruction of new rice crops. Snail

has a high protein content of snail (53%-83%) is comparable

to or higher than fish (Course hero, 2022).

 Golden apple snail amino acids increase soil fertility

and enrich soil nutrients. It makes the soil very loose,

maintains the biomass of microorganisms and earthworms, and

guarantees a healthy soil environment. Promote the growth of

crop roots and leaves, and enhance photosynthesis,

especially for seedlings. Increase crop yield by 10%-40%.

Improve crop quality, extend the harvest period, and more

conductive to long-term storage. Improve crop resistance

ability (Dora Agri-Tech, 2022). Because of KAA potential in

improving crop production, it can be use as alternative

source of nutrient.

Since tomato is a second important vegetable crop in

the world, it is necessary to understand its production

management especially in fertilizer application considering

that almost 100% of the tomato farmer are using

synthetically produced chemicals. The researcher would also

like to assess the use of KAA or Kuhol Amino Acids in

increasing production and also as alternative source of

fertilizer.

Objectives of the Study

 Generally, this study aimed to determine the effect of

golden kuhol amino acids in growth and fruit quality of

tomato.

Specifically, it aimed to:

1. Find out the effectiveness of kuhol amino acid that

could enhance the growth of tomato in terms of:

1.1. Number of leaves;

1.2. Plant height;

1.3. Number of days to flower; and

1.4. Number of branches

2. Determine the effectiveness of kuhol amino acid that

could increase the yield and the fruit quality of

tomato plants in terms of:

2.1. Diameter of fruits

2.2. Number of fruits per treatment

2.3. Percentage of fruit set

2.4. Weight of fruits per treatment

2.5. Total Soluble Solid

2.6. Yield per Plot

Hypotheses

1. There are no significant differences on the growth

of tomato applied of kuhol amino acid in terms of

number of leaves, plant height, number of days to

flowers, and number of branches.

2. There are no significant differences on the yield

performance and quality of fruit of tomato applied

with kuhol amino acid in terms of diameter of

fruits, number of fruits, weight of fruits, and

yield per treatment.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study will focus only on the growth, fruit quality

and yield response of tomato applied with kuhol amino acids.

The observation will only focus on the number of leaves,

plant height, number of branches, number of days to flowers,

fruit weight, diameter, and total soluble solid.

Time and Place of the Study

The study will be conducted from first week of

November, 2022 to January, 2023 at Mindoro State University,

Barangay Alcate, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro.

Definition of terms

The following terms are conceptually designed for

better understanding of the study.

Diamante Max F1- a high yielding heat tolerant hybrid tomato

with intermediate resistance to “KULOT” or ToLCV and

Bacterial Wilt.

Fruit Quality – quality of fresh fruit and vegetables id

generally based on the chemical composition or physical

characteristics.

Golden apple snail- is a species of large freshwater snail.

Kuhol Amino Acid (KAA)- is a high nitrogen fixing extract

derived from snails.

Molasses – a dark brown syrup, a by-product of sugar

production left after sugar has been separated.

 Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Description of tomato

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is the second most

important vegetable crop in the world after potato. The

plant can be erect with short stems or vine-like with long,

spreading stems. The stems are covered in coarse hairs and

the leaves are arranged spirally. The tomato plant produces

yellow flowers, which can develop into a cyme of 3–12, and

usually a round fruit (berry) which is fleshy, smoothed

skinned and can be red, pink, purple, brown, orange or

yellow in color. The tomato plant can grow 0.7–2 m (2.3–6.6

ft) in height and as an annual, is harvested after only one

growing season (IRCHE, 2017).

Tomato plants are generally much branched, spreading

60–180 cm (24–72 inches) and when fruiting, there’s a need

to use trellis, but a few forms are compact and upright.

Leaves are hairy, strongly odorous, pinnately compound, and

up to 45 cm (18 inches) long. The five-petaled flowers are

yellow, 2 cm (0.8 inch) across, pendant, and clustered.

Fruits are berries that vary in diameter from 1.5 to 7.5 cm

(0.6 to 3 inches) or more (Fotalia, 2012).

Variety of Tomato

Diamante max F1 tomato is a hybrid variety for year-

round production in the Philippine lowlands. Although

perfect for off-season planting, the variety also has

excellent heat resistance that allows fruit production

during the hot season months of May to July. It is highly

resistant against ToLCV and bacterial wilt. Fruits are high

round, firm with excellent transportability and storability.

Soil and Climatic Requirements

Tomato is a warm season crop it requires warm and cool

climate. The plants cannot withstand frost and high

humidity. Also, light intensity affects pigmentation, fruit

colour, fruit set. The plant is highly affected by adverse

climatic conditions. It requires different climatic range

for seed germination, seedling growth, flower and fruit set,

and fruit quality (Krishnadubey, 2012).

Sandy loam soil with a well-drained clay sub soil is

best suited. Light soils are good for early variety. While

clay loam or silt loam soils are well suited for heavy yield

(Late variety), grows at pH 6.0 to 7.0 satisfactorily. The

soil should be well prepared & leveled by ploughing the land

4 – 5 times (Agriinfobank, 2018).

Water Requirement

Water is much essentially for plant growth and

production because of its important work in plant including

solubilizing and hence uptake of nutrients and their action

in the plant. And also, helps the plant maintain the proper

temperature as water evaporates (Colting, L. M., et al,

2012).

Four to five irrigations are needed from transplanting

to 14 days before the last harvest depending on the type of

soil. Tomato is very sensitive to flooding; hence,

irrigation must be done just to moisten the root zone

specially during onset of flowering up to the last harvest.

First, during transplanting (flooding) or hand watering.

Second, 14 days after transplanting (flooding) or hand

watering. Third, at vegetative stage (21 day after

transplanting), water at 1 liter per hill. Fourth, at

flowering in early fruiting (30 days after transplanting)

water at 1 liter per hill. And last optional, depending on

the appearance of the plants at harvesting stage (hand water

if necessary). Irrigate by furrow to minimize soil erosion

to favor high fruit setting. Waterlogging for 24 hours will

favor the occurrence of wilt diseases and reduce fruit

setting. In the absence of surface irrigation, water the

plants weekly at the rate of 1liter per hill until 2 weeks

before the last harvest (Colting, L. M., et al, 2012).

Planting Distance

The spacing of tomato plants is an important component

for healthy productive plants. The correct tomato plant

spacing is dependent upon which variety of tomato is being

grown. The ideal spacing for tomato plants is between 24-36

inches (61-91 cm.) apart. Spacing tomato plants any closer

than 24 inches (61 cm.) will reduce air circulation around

the plants and may result in disease (Fernandez, 2012).

Harvest/Storage

Harvest tomatoes when the skin is slightly firm, shiny,

and uniformly colored for best flavor. As a tomato ripens it

will turn from a vibrant medium light to a green shade, with

faint pink or yellow stripes or flushing. Later the skin

will mature to a uniform red or pink or yellow or white or

green depending on the variety. The best time of the day to

pick tomatoes is during the early morning, ideally before 9

am, before the dew evaporates. At nighttime, fruits

transform starch into sugar and replenish essential

moisture. By picking them before the sun dries them up, you
can enjoy your tomatoes at their sweetest and crispiest

(Steve albert, 2016).

Store tomatoes at room temperature indoors (65°-70°F)

or in a shady place outside. At room temperature tomatoes

will last for 4 to 7 days. Don’t store or refrigerate

tomatoes at temperatures below 55°F (13°C); this will cause

flavor compounds to break down. Partially ripened tomatoes

should not be refrigerated; refrigeration stops the ripening

process. Ripe tomatoes that are refrigerated will lose their

flavor and become overly soft. If tomatoes are refrigerated,

put them in the crisper section of the refrigerator in a

perforated plastic bag; the bag will keep the fruit from

drying. Refrigerated tomatoes will lose color, firmness, and

flavor. Periodically check stored tomatoes to remove ripened

fruit beginning to decay (Steve albert, 2016).

Market Value of Tomato

According to Statistica Research Department (2011-

2020), the value of tomatoes produced in the Philippines

amounted to around 4.71 billion Philippine peso. This

reflects an increase compared to the previous year total.

Fermented fertilizer
 Carinio (2013), stated that fermented fertilizer is an

extract of a plant and chlorophylls. Brown sugar is used to

extract the essence through osmotic pressure. The extraction

is therefore rich in enzyme solution full of these bacteria

that invigorating plants. Organic fertilizer come from the

plants and animals. This includes animal manure slaughter

waste, compost, green manures, and farm residues, etc. this

improves soils physical features making it porous, in

enabling the soil to retain as much water as possible for

the plants. They also support and enhance the growth of

beneficial bacteria in other microorganisms into the soil

that provide plants with nutrients.

In 1kg of Kuhol Amino Acids contains macronutrients

such as: Phosphorus use in energy transfer, photosynthesis

and transformation of sugar in plants; Carbon that will be

use during photosynthesis; Manganese, it will be a major

contributor to various biological systems including

photosynthesis respiration and Nitrogen assimilation; Copper

activates some enzymes in plants which are involved in

lignin synthesis and it is essential in several enzyme

systems; Zinc use in the formation of chlorophyll and some

carbohydrates conversion of starches to sugars and its

presence in plant tissue helps the plant to withstand cold

temperature. (Zuliyanti et al., 2017)

Related Studies

Foreign Studies

The Potential of Amino Acid When Applied to the Plants

Tantawy et al., (2012) in their work on “Alleviation of

Salinity Effects on Tomato Plants by Application of Amino

Acids and Growth Regulators” found out that all growth

parameters of tomato when affected with salinity such as

plant height, leaf area, total chlorophyll and K+ contents,

fresh weight of aerial parts and percentage of dry weight of

aerial parts, as well as yield and some yield quality

parameters responded negatively as the salinity level

increased. Only Na+ contents in the leaves and TSS in the

fruits responded positively to the increment in salinity

levels. But the individual application of amino acids and

“Thidiazuron” alleviated these negative effects. The

alleviation effects were more pronounced as the

concentration of the two substances increased. The highest

alleviation effect was recorded with the highest

concentration of Thidiazuron.

Local Studies

As stated by Tomaneng et al. (2021) in their work on

“Effect of Natural Farming Inputs as Nutrient Source Applied

at Different Levels on Hydroponically Grown Lettuce” found

out that 20ml KAA and 20ml FAA can also be used as nutrient

solution. However, only there was a delay of one week in

maturity which is 37 days as compared with commercial (SNAP

and Master Blend) having 30 days maturity. In the absence of

SNAP solution and master blend, the fermented Fish Amino

Acid (FAA) and Kuhol Amino Acid (KAA) as organic is a

potential culture media for hydroponically lettuce

production.

According to Magarro, C.B., (2013), tomato seedlings

were randomly distributed for each treatment of four (4)

plants per replication. All the plants were subjected to

same care and management except for the kinds and amount of

fertilizer used. These are follows: treatment 1, control no

fertilizer was applied. Treatment 2, RR of complete

fertilizer, 1 L per hectare, 2 L per hectare, 3 L per

hectare, and 4 L per hectare of fermented golden apple snail

was used for treatment 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively. Based

on the findings, fermented golden apple snail has a

significant effect on the yield of tomato as a revealed by

the increase in number and weight of fruits as compared to

the use of chemical fertilizer. The application of 30 L per

hectare of the experimental liquid fertilizer gives highest

yield of tomato.
 Chapter III

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Materials to be used in the conduct of the study about

the “Effects of Golden Apple Snail Amino Acids in Growth and

Fruit Quality of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) are the

following.

Materials

1. Tomato seedling (420 pcs) (var. Diamante Max F1)

2. Golden Apple Snail (25kl)

3. Muscovado sugar/ Molasses (25kl)

4. Laboratory Apparatus

 Weighing scale

 refractometer

5. Farm Equipment and tools

 Hoe

 Rake

 Shovel

 Knapsack sprayer

 Pressurized hand sprayer

 Bolo

 Bamboo stick/Bamboo poles

  Pail

 Manila Paper

6. Supplies

 Ballpen

 Record book

 Plastic straw rope

 Meter stick

 Foot ruler

 Wood tag

7. Other Equipment

 Calculator
Experimental Design

Randomized Complete block Design will be used in this

study. The treatments were randomly assigned to each

block. Each treatment will be replicated three (3) times.

Volume of solution will vary according to water

requirements of the plants per growing stage.

The different treatments are as follows:

T1 – negative control/ water only

T2 – positive control/ 990ml water plus 10 ml of

fermented KAA per plot

T3- 980ml of water plus 20ml of Fermented KAA extract

per plot

T4- 970ml of water of water plus 30ml of Fermented

KAA plot

T5- 955ml of water plus 45ml of Fermented KAA per

plot

Collection of Soil Sample and Analysis

Before the start of the experiment, soil sample will

be randomly selected from the experimental area. Soil

sampling will be done following the standard procedure

recommended by the Bureau of Soil and Water Management as

state below.

Soil samples from five different spots in the

experimental area which include four (4) portions on both

corner and at the center will be sampled with a slice of

soil measuring two (2) centimeters thick and 25

centimeters using shovel. The collected soil samples will

be brought to a shed, spread on a plastic sheet and air-

dried for three (3) days. Then air-dried soil sample will

be pulverized and thoroughly mixed and placed in a white

plastic bag. Then 1kg of mixed aired-dried soil sample

will be obtained, properly labeled, and then brought to

the Provincial Agriculture Office-Soil Laboratory

Division, Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro for NPK

analysis.

Land Preparation

The experimental area will be cleaned manually and

cultivated using tractor alternately several times to make

the soil suitable for planting tomato.

Straw will be use in laying out the experimental area

and plots. The area will be divided into three blocks and
each block will be subdivided into 5 plots measuring 250 x

475 centimeters. A pathway of 50 centimeters between plots

and 1.0 meter between blocks will be provided.

Collection and Preparation of Kuhol Amino Acid

Golden apple snail will be collected from rice fields

and rivers. Snails will be washed in a clean water before

crashing. Crashed GAS will be placed in the pail and the

same amount of molasses will be added and mixed

thoroughly. The pail will be covered with a clean manila

paper and labeled properly. The preparation will be placed

in a cool, shaded place, and will be fermented for 14

days. After 14 days, fermented golden apple snail will be

sieved to extract the liquid that will be used as foliar

fertilizer to tomato.

Application of KAA

Different levels of fermented GAS were thoroughly

mixed with water before its application. Using knapsack

sprayer, application of fermented GAS through foliar

spraying will be done in late afternoon because the

stomata on the leaves are open and will be able to absorb

the nutrients.
 The first application of all treatments will be done

two weeks after transplanting and the applying of KAA will

be on Monday and Thursday.

Procurement of the Seedlings

Three hundred sixty (420) pieces 1 month old tomato

seedling will be purchased for Mr. Rubytante A. Moster at

Motoderazo, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

Transplanting

One month old seedlings will be transplanted at a

distance of 50cm between hills and 75cm between rows at a

depth of 2-4 cm.

Trellising

Trellising will be done one (1) week after

transplanting. Bamboo poles will be use as a post, and

blue twine to tie the plants in the pole.

Watering

Watering will be done daily early in the morning to

avoid wilting of plants. But on the schedule days of KAA

application, the plants will not be watered but instead

will be applied with KAA treatments.

Weeding and Cultivation

Weeding will be done if the appearance of weeds

became visible, it will be checked once a week.

The soil around existing plants will be cultivated

using a hoe to destroy weeds and promote growth by

increasing soil aeration and water infiltration.

Harvesting

Harvesting will be done early in the morning to

maintain the sweetness and crispness of tomato. Gently

twist the fruits out of the stem. Use hand-pick method to

prevent the pedicel to be removed in the fruit. The

harvesting period will be done twice a week.

Gathering of Data

The data to be gathered are the following:

Number of Leaves

The leaves of the sample plants per plot will be

counted two weeks after transplanting with one week

interval until the onset of flowering.

Plant Height

The height of the sample plants per plot will be

measure from its based up to its tip using meter stick two

weeks after transplanting at one week interval up to the

onset of flowering.

Number of Branches

The number of branches of the sample plants per plot

will be counted two weeks after transplanting and at one

week interval until the onset of flowering.

Number of days to Flowers

The number of days to flowers of the sample plants

per plot will be counted starting on flowering stage.

Numbers of Fruits

The number of fruits of the sample plants per plot

will be counted daily starting on fruiting stage up to

eight (8) times of harvesting period.

Weight of the fruits

Weight of fruit of the sample plants per plot will be

measure every harvesting period. Weight of fruits will be

determine using digital weighing scale.

Diameter of the Fruits

Diameter of fruit of the sample plants per plot will

be measure every harvesting period using vernier caliper.

Yield per Plot

Yield of the sample plants per plot will be measure

every harvesting period until the end of harvesting

period, yield per plot will be computed using the formula

below:

total weight of harvested fruits(kg)

Yield per plot = x no . of hills per plot
number of hills harvested
Total Soluble Solid

Fifteen fruits will be randomly selected per

treatments during its ripening stage. These fruits will be

mixed in a blender and the juice will be extracted. A drop

of fruit juice will be placed in the refractometer and

brix value for TSS will be recorded.

Total soluble solids content of a solution will be

determined by the index of refraction. This will be

measured using a refractometer and is referred to as the

degrees Brix.

Percentage of Fruit Set

All fruits of each sample plant per replication will

be counted and percentage of fruit set will be computed

using this formula:

total number of fruits

% fruit set= =x 100
total number of flowers

Analysis of Data

Data collected will tabulated and evaluated through

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for Randomized Complete Block

Design (RCBD) and will tested at 5% levels and 1% level of

significance. Mean comparison for significant differences

will be done using (TST) Tukey’s Studentized Test at 5%

level of significance.
 APPENDIX I

Experimental Layout

BLOCK I BLOCK II BLOCK III

T5R1 T4R2 T3R3

1m
50cm

T4R1 T3R2 T4R3

50 cm

T5R3 18.25 m
T3R1 T2R2

T2R1 T1R3 T1R2

T1R1 T5R1 T2R1

15.50 m

T1 – negative control/ water only

T2 – positive control/ 990ml water plus 10 ml of fermented

KAA per plot

T3- 980ml of water plus 20ml of Fermented KAA extract per

plot

T4- 970ml of water of water plus 30ml of Fermented KAA

plot
T5- 955ml of water plus 45ml of Fermented KAA per plot

APPENDIX II

Plot Layout

75 cm
X X X X

50 cm
75 cm
X X
50 cm

X X
475 cm

X X

X X

X X X X

250 cm

o- sample plants

x- boarder plants
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tomato(Lycopersicum esculentum) 'Diamante'var. on
fermented golden apple snail. Journal of ISSAAS
[International Society for Southeast Asian
Agricultural Sciences] (Philippines).

Course Hero Inc. (2022). Kuhol-Amino-Acid-KAA-Ang-kuhol-o-

golden-apple-snail-Pomacea/

Dora Agri-Tech, (2022). Fish Amino Acid Benefits.

Retrieved from: https://doraagri.com/product/fish-
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%20Fertilizer% 0Benefits,enhance%20photosynthesis%2C
%20especially%20 or%20seedlings

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