Optimization of Vermi Drippings for Organic Cultivation of Selected Vegetables in Davao, Philippines

Abstract

Production of organic crops can be now possible through the use of vermicomposting technology. The primary product of the process is the vermicompost, an excellent organic fertilizer. Another by-product is the vermi drippings (VD) that was not studied as another source of organic foliar fertilizer for vegetable production in the Philippines. This research was conducted to optimize and explore the use of vermi drippings on the productivity and its effects on the incidence of major insect pests and on predatory lady beetle of hot pepper, eggplant and pechay under University of Southeastern Philippines Mabini, Philippines condition.Results revealed that the 10% vermi drippings provided the best rate by producing the tallest plant, increased number of branches, increased root length, root weight and root branches, increased fruit length and higher yield particularly in hot pepper and pechay vegetables. However, the vermi drippings and the synthetic pesticide (cypermethrin) failed to control insect pest population specifically the notorious eggplant fruit and shoot borer, white fly, and aphids. No harmful effect of the treatments on the predator, ladybird beetle, Epilachna transversalis.