A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Water as a Rooting Hormone in a Hydroponic and Conventional Set-up in Growing Ocimum basilicum (Basil)

• Main Authors: Reodica, Trisha Ysabel A., Reyes, Luis Raphael L., Cadiz, Fernel Anne J., Villa, Jessica Paulyn A., Tagra, Pio Jeremiah G., Carag, Elizabeth Justinne I., Almeda, Elisha Jaeriane A., Castañeda, Jericho R., Amar, Hans Franco A., Calamlam, Jose Mari M., Gamboa, Gerald B
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2022
• Subjects: hydroponics; coconut water; basil; rooting hormone; agriculture; Life Sciences
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/sinaya/vol1/iss2/3; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/sinaya/article/1012/viewcontent/A_Comparison_of_the_Effectiveness_of_Cocos_nucifera_Coconut_Water_as_a_Rooting_Hormone_in_a_Hydroponic_and_Conventional_Set_up_in_Growing_Ocimum_basilicum_Basil_.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

Food shortage is still a problem in the Philippines since millions of people may be classified as undernourished. Efforts to augment the insufficiency include developing an efficient planting method as a source of food. This experimental study tested the effectiveness of coconut water as a rooting hormone on hydroponically and conventionally grown basil plants by measuring the height, fresh weight, leaf length, and root length for three weeks, which also served as the dependent variables. Consequently, two (2) hydroponic set-ups and two (2) conventional set-ups utilize a randomized block design. The set-ups containing coconut water served as the independent variables, while the ones without served as the control. Before the data gathering procedures, the containers were sterilized, the tap water was exposed to sunlight, and the basil seeds were soaked in coconut water. Six hours later, the seeds were planted. After three weeks, the leaf length and root length were measured using a digital caliper, while the height and weight were measured using a standard ruler and digital scale. The nutrient solution and pH level were also monitored. Data was analyzed using two-way ANOVA for leaf length and plant weight, while one-way ANOVA was used for plant height and root length. In addition, a post-hoc test was used for variables that had a significant effect. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the mean. The hydroponic setup was effective on producing a higher yield for root length (M=112), while the conventional setup was effective on plant height (M=99.7) and leaf length (M=44.1). While the intervention had no significant contribution (p>0.05), hydroponics as an alternative planting technique still has potential in the agricultural sector.