PLANTING CORN THE EARTH-FRIENDLY WAY: USE OF BIO-FERTILIZERS AND PLANT-BASED INSECTICIDES IN CULTIVATING GREEN CORN AT LAGUNA, PHILIPPINES.

However, most farmers, particularly those in the province of Laguna, still use inorganic fertilizers and insecticides, a practice that could lead to adverse ecological consequences. Hence, this study sought to find an “earth-friendly” way of cultivating green corn by using bio-fertilizers and plant-based insecticides. A 2x4x6 factorial experiment, following a split-split plot design with three replications, was conducted. Results showed that a fertilizer mix of 571.43 kg Greenland/ha (chicken manure compost) + 180.96 kg Urea/ha was comparable with 192.86 kg (14-14-14)/ha + 140 kg Urea/ha (inorganic fertilizer treatment) and better than 1413.6 kg Vermicompost/ha + 140 kg Urea/ha in affecting the growth and yield performance of green corn, specifically in terms of plant height, number of days to 50 percent silking, and C 3 which were statistically similar with a mean of 1.46 and 1.63, respectively, gave the least insect infestation from whorling to silking . Both C 4 and C 3 significantly differed from the rest of the pesticide treatments where C 2 , C 4 and C 5 were statistically similar and also significantly differed from C 1 (control) with means of 2.50, 2.54, 2.54 and 3.04, respectively. This showed the effectiveness of lannate, makabuhay, madre de cacao and marigold crude extracts against insect infestation from whorling to silking stage.

Corn (Zea mays) is one of the major crops grown in the Philippines. However, most farmers, particularly those in the province of Laguna, still use inorganic fertilizers and insecticides, a practice that could lead to adverse ecological consequences. Hence, this study sought to find an "earth-friendly" way of cultivating green corn by using bio-fertilizers and plant-based insecticides. A 2x4x6 factorial experiment, following a split-split plot design with three replications, was conducted. Results showed that a fertilizer mix of 571.43 kg Greenland/ha (chicken manure compost) + 180.96 kg Urea/ha was comparable with 192.86 kg (14-14-14)/ha + 140 kg Urea/ha (inorganic fertilizer treatment) and better than 1413.6 kg Vermicompost/ha + 140 kg Urea/ha in affecting the growth and yield performance of green corn, specifically in terms of plant height, number of days to 50 percent silking, number of corn ears per plant, and length and diameter of unhusked corn ear. Moreover, it was found that using 571.43 kg Greenland/ha yielded 20.82 tons of unhusked corn ears per hectare, which is only slightly lower than the 23.18 tons produced by 192.86 kg (14-14-14)/ha + 140 kg Urea/ha, noting that the Control only yielded 16.81 tons per hectare. Meanwhile, it was found that using 1041.67 li/ha Makabuhay (Tinospora rumphii Boerl) vine extract (organic insecticide) was comparable with 1041.67 tbsp/ha Lannate (Methomyl) in addressing insect infestation and population from whorling to silking, silking to maturity, number of larvae per plant, and number of borers per stem. The Makabuhay vine extract was also found to be better than Lannate when it comes to controlling insect infestation, as indicated by the number of nymphs per corn ear and number of nymphs per plant. The study recommends further testing of the Makabuhay vine extract in different concentrations, as well as using fertilizer combinations in other corn varieties.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….... Introduction:-
Corn (Zea mays) is one of the major crops grown in the Philippines and considered as the second most important staple food for the Filipinos. The growth of the corn industry is associated not only with growing population but also with that of poultry and livestock sectors. Corn is also processed into high value products, such as corn starch, corn oil, gluten, and snack foods.

ISSN: 2320-5407
Int. J. Adv. Res. 6(2), 1740-1756 1741 With this information on the varied uses of corn and corn by-products, there is really a need to increase corn production per unit area. This could be attained by supplying the appropriate kind and amount of nutrients and insecticides to the corn plants for optimum growth, development and production. The farmers, particularly those from Laguna, usually provide these nutrients through application of inorganic fertilizers and insecticides. However, the Philippines Strategy for Sustainable Development (PSSD) of the Development of Environmental and Natural Resources DENR (1990) mentioned that continuous and over application of inorganic fertilizers might increase soil acidity, which affects nutrients availability while insecticides might kill not only harmful insects but even the beneficial insects. Besides, utilization of chemical based insecticides may contaminate the soil, air, water and foods which may endanger human health.
Background of the Study:-Maximum corn production could be attained by following recommended technologies or cultural practices like seed nitrogen inoculation, sources of nutrients and utilization of an efficient and economical method of controlling insect pests and diseases.
Utilization of Bio-N. Bio-N is a biofertilizer derived from the bacterium Azospirillium isolated from the roots of a local grass "talahib" (Saccharum spontaneum Linn). It can be applied easily by coating into seeds before sowing. The bacteria can enhance root development, growth and yield of corn. This reduces the use of costly inorganic or chemical nitrogen fertilizer. Using Bio-N is not only environmentally safe but also increases the net income of farmers.
Utilization of natural farming inputs such as Organic fertilizers. These are sources of nutrients derived from animal by-products and excreta, green manure, crop residues, household's organic wastes, etc. Products processed from these materials could be compost, vermicompost and organic foliar fertilizer, etc.
Use of plant-based environmental friendly insecticides and pesticides for the control of insects and other pests, accompanied with proper cultural practices in crop production. Insects attack all growth stages of corn in the field, and can reduce yield by as much as 20 to 80%.
Botanical insecticides could be derived or extracted from plants which possess pesticidal properties like neem leaves (Azadirachta indica), Makabuhay vine (Tinospora rumpii Boerl), madre de cacao leaves (Gliciridia sepium), and marigold leaves (Calendula officinalis) which are always available in the localities and nearby communities. As reported by Sangatanan and Sangatanan (2000), these plants contain pyrethroid, rotenone, nicotine, neem, isoflavanoids, saponin, alkaloids and many more that are essentially active components of insecticides Even though several organic fertilizers and insecticides have been produced and introduced, still most farmers utilized inorganic fertilizers and insecticides in crop production in spite of the rapid increase in prices. This indicates that farmers are still unaware and/or unconvinced of the benefits that could be derived from the utilization of organic farm inputs. Thus, this study was to emphasize the significance of organic fertilizers and pesticides not only in increasing profits on agricultural production but also contribute on the conservation of the environment.

Statement of the Problem:-
This study was conducted to determine the effects of bio-organic fertilizers and insecticides on the growth and yield performance of inoculated and non-inoculated green corn. More specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions: 1. Which sources of nitrogen fertilizers gave better growth and yield performance of green corn in terms of average plant height, number, length, and diameter of corn ear, number of kernels/corn ear, weight of corn/1.5 sq m harvest area, computed yield of corn in kg/ha and least insect pest infestation? 2. What is the effect of inoculants in the growth and yield performance of corn? 3. Which of the bio-organic insecticide sources in this study gave the least insect infestation and highest corn yield?

Hypotheses of the Study:-
To provide guides in the interpretation of data, the following null hypotheses were formulated and subjected to a thorough study and investigation: There are no significant differences on the effects of inoculants, sources of fertilizers and insecticides on corn in terms of: 1. Average plant height (cm) at maturity 2. Average number of days from seeding to 50% silking 3. Average number of corn ear/plant 4. Average length and diameter (cm) of unhusked corn ear 5. Average number of kernels/corn ear 6. Average weight of unhusked corn ear/1.5 sq m harvest area 7. Computed yield/ha (tons) 8. Insect pest population density and percentage of insect infestation 9. Cost and return analysis There are no significant interaction effects between and among:

Inoculation and source of fertilizers (Factors A x B) 2. Inoculation and sources of insecticides (Factors A x C) 3. Sources of fertilizers and insecticides (Factors B x C); and 4. Inoculation, sources of nitrogen and insecticide (Factors A x B x C) in terms of height of corn, no. of days from
seeding to 50% silking, no. of corn ear/plant, length, and diameter of corn ear, no. of kernels/corn ear, weight of unhusked corn ear/1.5 m² harvest area and yield/ha.

Significance of the Study:-
The results of this study may find potential contribution or practical applications in terms of benefiting the farmers, the academic and the agricultural sector as a whole since this will serve as an effective instrument in the information dissemination regarding the need to study the growth and yield performance of green corn using organic fertilizers and pesticides. Thus, helping the nation to attain its goal of food self-sufficiency and environment-friendly farming inputs for the conservation and sustainability of the environment.

Materials And Methods:-
This experiment was conducted at Brgy. Maytalang I, Lumban, Laguna from February to May 2010.

Research Design:-
A 2 x 4 x 6 factorial experiment was used in this study following the split-split plot design with three replications. A 1,791 sq m experimental area was divided into three blocks to represent the replication. Each block was divided into two main plots where inoculated and non-inoculated corn seeds were planted. Each main plot was divided into four subplots into which sources of fertilizers were randomly assigned and each subplot were subdivided into six subsubplots measuring 3 m x 4 m or 12 sq m for the allocation of insecticide sources that were used. The randomization process was done separately and independently for each block. The experimental field layout and overview are shown in (Figures 2 and 3).
The treatments used were the following: Mainplot:    border plants ten (10) representative samples 1.5 sq. meter sample harvest area Subject of the Study:-Corn, according to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), grows best in soil with deep, medium-textured, high in organic matter, well drained, with a high water-holding capacity and pH value ranging from 5.3 -6.0. It is a monotypic hub belonging to the grass family, genus Zea and species mays with tall culm, unisexual spikelets, with the male flowers above the female, long, narrow leaves with parallel veins, and fibrous root system.

Procedure of the Study:-
Composite soil sampling was used.

Land Preparation:-
The experimental area was prepared 3 weeks before planting. Plowing was done twice A day before planting, furrows were prepared

Application of Fertilizer Treatments;-
The amount of fertilizer materials applied per treatment was based on the result of the chemical analysis of the soil on which the recommended rate was 90-30-20. The amounts of fertilizer materials for fertilizer sources were as given above.
Planting:-Seeds of Super Sweet EW variety were used. The seeds used in Factor A were inoculated and non-inoculated.

Application of Insecticides:-
Insecticides treatments were sprayed separately with the use of knapsack sprayer. The application of insecticides was done on the whorling stage of corn plants.

Collection and Preparation of Bio-organic Insecticide:-
All leaves of plants used in this study were collected from Brgy. Maytalang I, Lumban, Laguna and its nearby communities. Madre de Cacao Leaves (Gliricidia sepium) Extract and Neem Tree Leaves (Azadirachta indica) Extract, Marigold Leaves (Calendula officinalis) Extract, Makabuhay Vine (Tinospora rumphii) Extract. These were prepared following the procedures specified by PCARRD (1996) as follows: Leaves weighing 2,000g per kind was added to 1000 ml of water, macerated with the use of warring blender and osterized to obtain a homogenous mixture. The mixture was soaked overnight then filtered with the use of cheese cloth. The filtrate served as the crude concentrated extract which was diluted separately with water at the rate of 1 L per 15 L of water.

Cultural Management of the Plant:-Watering and Irrigation:-
Watering was done everyday using sprinkler until 10 days after planting. Application of water through furrow irrigation was done 15 days after planting to ensure that the soil moisture is adequate to effect seedling growth and development then repeated at intervals up to 64 days after planting.

Weeding and Cultivation:-
Off-barring cultivation was done two weeks after planting and hilling up 30 days after planting to loosen soil surface and control weeds. Spot weeding by hand pulling was done from time-to-time to avoid competition with corn plants for nutrients, water, light, and space.

ISSN: 2320-5407
Int. J. Adv. Res. 6(2), 1740-1756 1748 4. Weighing scale. This was used to measure the organic and inorganic fertilizers applied on corn plants and to measure the weight of harvested corn per 1.5 m 2 harvest area. 5. Meter stick. This was used to measure the average height of corn plant in cm. 6. Steel tape. This was used in measuring the field layout of the experimental area. 7. Vernier caliper. This was used to determine the diameter of corn ears in mm. 8. Electric blender. This was used to extract juice of the neem, madre de cacao, makabuhay and marigold.
Statistical Treatment:-Data gathered on the average plant height, number of days to silking stage, number of corn ear/plant, number of kernels/ear, length and diameter of ear, yield/1.5 sq m harvest area, insect infestation, insect population, and pesticides screening were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) of the split-split plot design. Significant results in ANOVA were subjected to further statistical analysis using the Duncans' Multiple Range Test (DMRT).

Insect Infestation from Emergence to Whorling;-
The findings showed that aside from C6 (application of Lannate) which gave the most significant effect on the control of insects, C 3 , C 2 , C 5 and C 4 crude extracts which were found to be statistically similar were all significantly different from C 1 (control). Thus, the study further showed that from emergence to whorling stage, lannate and the plant crude extracts used in this study can significantly reduce insect infestation.
Insect Infestation from Whorling to Silking:-C 6 and C 3 which were statistically similar with a mean of 1.46 and 1.63, respectively, gave the least insect infestation from whorling to silking . Both C 4 and C 3 significantly differed from the rest of the pesticide treatments where C 2 , C 4 and C 5 were statistically similar and also significantly differed from C 1 (control) with means of 2.50, 2.54, 2.54 and 3.04, respectively. This showed the effectiveness of lannate, makabuhay, madre de cacao and marigold crude extracts against insect infestation from whorling to silking stage.

Number of Borers per Stem:-
Similar trends in effectiveness and performance of the different pesticide treatments to reduce insect infestation including stem borers were observed. It appeared that C 3 was as effective as C 6.

Number of Nymphs per Corn Ear:-
The findings revealed that C 3 was the most effective by having the least mean number of nymphs per corn ear; followed by C 6 with the former significantly more effective than the latter. Both lannate and makabuhay crude extract were significantly better than the other treatments: neem, marigold and madre cacao crude extracts which were statistically similar among each other but significantly better than the control. Number of Nymphs per Plant:-C 3 had the least mean number of nymphs per plant of 1.04; followed by C 6 with 1.08. C 3 and C 6 were found to be statistically similar which means that both had the same significant effect over the rest of the treatments. On third was C 5 with a mean of 1.63 and significantly better than C 2 and C 4 which were statistically similar and better than the C 1 (control plants) with means of 1.79, 1.83 and 2.33, respectively. Cost and Return Analysis:-B 4 gave the highest yield and the most expensive treatment, registered a 382.44 percent return on total expenses. That is, for every peso spent in producing unhusked green corn, one gets a gross return of P3.82. This was followed by B 2 with a gross return of P3.56 for every peso spent; B 3 with a gross return of P3.39 for every peso spent, and B 1 (control) the least expensive with a gross return of P3.14 for every peso spent in green corn production.