LABO PROGRESSIVE MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE

PROGRESS REPORT

Project Title : Collaborative Project on Enhancing Fruit Quality of Queen

Pineapple in Camarines Norte

Cooperating Entities : TRIAS- LPMPC- GREEN OPTIONS

The project was initially conceived in May 2022 with a visit of LPMPC team was initiated by
TRIAS to Malou’s farm in Batangas. Proposal writing, planning and approval for funding was done in June
2022. A researcher and research aide was contracted to handle the project. Site selection and
assessment followed in July 2022. The research project was established in two sites in Camarines Norte.

An experimental site was established in Sitio Mat-I, Vinzons, Camarines Norte and designated
Site 1. The area is an open-upland fallowed for 5 years. Another experimental area designated as Site 2
was established in Bgy Cabanbanan, San Vicente, Camarines Norte under a Coconut based area. The
area was previously planted to pineapple as intercrop to coconut but lay idle for the last 4 years.

Soil analysis of Site 1 showed that it has medium Nitrogen, low phosphorus and deficient in
Potassium. Fertilizer recommendation is 200-80-225 NPK. This will serve as basis for fertilizer application
for experimental treatments in the research proposal using inorganic fertilizers. The experiment used 4
treatments and separate fertilizer application plan, as follows:

Treatment 1- Farmers Practice. Fertilizer to be applied in 2-split method, first at second month
of growth using 10 grams/plant complete fertilizer (14-14-14) and second application on the sixth month
after planting using 10 grams/plant using urea (46-0-0). This is based on the result of survey conducted
by the Department of Agriculture.

Treatment 2 – Good Agricultural Practice. This will use 3-split method of fertilizer application.
First month application with 11.43 grams/plant of ammonium sulfate (16-20-0) and 5 grams/plant of
muriate of potash (0-0-60). Two foliar application of borax will be done at 6 months from planting and at
red bud stage or at the start of flowering. This is based on the recommendation on the technology guide
for pineapple developed by the Department of Agriculture in Bicol.

Treatment 3- Pure foliar fertilizer. This will use SeaCrop foliar fertilizer produced by Green
Options using manufacturers’ recommendation at 150cc/sprayer load sprayed at interval of 15 days. A
repeat application will be done in case of rain within 3 hours of application. High volume spraying was
done (24 sprayer load/hectare).
 Treatment 4. ½ GAP, ½ Foliar. The treatment will use one half of the rate of inorganic fertilizer of
T2 and the recommended rate of T3 sprayed at interval of 30 days.

Soil analysis of Site 2 showed that it has low Nitrogen content, low phosphorus and deficient in
Potassium. Fertilizer recommendation is 300-80-225 NPK. Fertilizer application plan followed Site 1 plan,
except for T4 which used 4-split application because of higher volume of fertilizer required.

Planting materials were sourced out from San Vicente, Camarines Norte from a farmer whose
fertilization technique matched with the T1 of the experiment. The planting materials were dip in
solution of fungicide with insecticide to prevent early attack of butt rot and the spread of mealy bugs in
the experimental area. The planting materials were selected to average sizes for the trial plants. Bigger
and smaller planting materials were planted as guard rows.

Each trial was laid out in randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Site 1 was
planted in August 5, 2022 and Site 2 was planted in July 31, 2022.

For weed control, spraying of diuron herbicide at was done 3 days after planting. Herbicide-
resistant weeds were removed by handweeding. A second application of herbicide was done at 4
months after planting on both trials. Succeeding weed growth were controlled by handweeding.

Pest and disease control was done by spraying of fungicide and insecticide at the onset of rainy
season in October 2022. Repeat application was done when symptoms of hearth rot and mealy bug
infestation was noted. It was controlled successfully.

Fertilizer application was done as planned. For site 1, Treatment 1 received all of its fertilizer
requirements. Treatment 2 was applied all of the inorganic fertilizers and sprayed once with borax.
Treatment 3 received 13 foliar fertilizer applications from Aug 20, 2022 to Feb. 8, 2023. To compensate
for the required seedling dip on foliar fertilizer, drenching of 50 cc/plant of foliar fertilizer solution was
done on Sept 11, 2022, after a technical meeting with Green Options. Treatment 4 received all of the
inorganic fertilizers and 7 foliar fertilizer spraying and was also drenched with foliar fertilizer.

For site 2, Treatment 1 was applied all of its inorganic fertilizers. Treatment 2 received all of
inorganic fertilizers and a spraying of borax. Treatment 3 was sprayed 13 times with foliar fertilizers
from August 15, 2022 to Feb. 28, 2023, and was drenched with foliar fertilizer in August 15, 2022.
Treatment 4 was drenched with foliar fertilizer and received 13 foliar spraying and all inorganic
fertilizers applied in 4-split method.

Data gathering for the planned 6 months agronomic observation was conducted for both trial.
Gathered data for processing.
 Experimental research signage was put up in each trial. Signage for Site 1 was already worn out.
Will need replacement for proper identification and documentation of the project. Plot signs for both
trials are made up of bamboo slot which may need repainting after the rainy season.

Adequate safeguard was done for site 1 by fencing on both ends. The sides are protected by
concrete walls. The site was spared from astray animals that visited the area before the fence was
erected. Site 2 is less prone to astray animals.

Both trial is now at vegetative stage at 7 months after planting.

Submitted by:

INOCENCIO Q. OBRERO
Researcher