Thesis (BS Arg (Agron) - Mariano Marcos State University

ABSTRACT

GANIRON, BEA S. 2019. Growth and Yield Response of Cowpea (Vigna
unguiculata L. Walp) to Different Biostimulants under Minimum and
Conventional Tillage Systems. Undergraduate Thesis. College of Agriculture, Food
and Sustainable Development. Mariano Marcos State University, City of Batac 2906
Ilocos Norte. 80 pp.
Adviser: Ms. Joanna P. Crosby
Co-adviser: Dr. Dionisio S. Bucao

A field experiment was conducted at Brgy. Lataag, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
from November 2018 to February 2019 to: (a) compare the growth and yield response
of cowpea under minimum and conventional tillage systems; (b) determine the effect
of different biostimulants on the growth and yield performance of cowpea; (c)
evaluate the response of cowpea to different biostimulants as affected by tillage
systems, and (d) assess the profitability and productivity of cowpea production
applied with different biostimulants under minimum and conventional tillage systems.
The study was laid out in a Strip-plot in RCBD with three replications using
20 m² experimental plots. Two tillage systems were compared, minimum and
conventional while three biostimulants, CPGR, Bio-N and VAM, were evaluated
together with no application.
The result of the study revealed significant interaction between tillage system
and biostimulant in terms of days to flowering and maturity. No significant
interaction between the two factors was revealed on the growth and yield parameters
used. On the other hand, significant difference was revealed between the two tillage system in terms of plant height, number of seeds per pod, seed yield, above-ground
biomass and harvest index. Plants under minimum tillage significantly produced
higher number of seeds per pod, seed yield, above-ground biomass and harvest index
compared with plants under conventional tillage. Among the biostimulant treatments,
significant differences were noted in plant height and seed yield. Seed yield was
generally higher in plants applied with biostimulants as compared with no
biostimulant application. The highest seed yield was obtained from Bio-N application
although it was found comparable with CPGR application.
The growth and yield response of cowpea differ with tillage system. Better
crop growth and productivity and higher profitability can be obtained from cowpea
when established under minimum tillage. Cowpea when established under
conventional tillage should be supplemented with Bio-N for higher yield and
profitability.