SAN CLEMENTE HIGH SCHOOL

SAN CLEMENTE TARLAC

GRADE 9 TLE
AGRI CROP PRODUCTION
 WEEK 1
Produce Vegetables: Growing Seedlings
Growing seedlings is not an easy task. First you need to have knowledge on the basic about the seeds that
you are going to use for planting.
In this lesson we will learn about seeds: their quality and characteristics and we will appreciate the value
of securing a good quality seeds for growing seedlings.
Characteristics of a Good Quality Seeds
Seeds quality plays an important role in the production of horticultural crops. The selection of the best
planting material is basic to good crop production.
There are some factors to consider in selecting quality seeds
 Viability. It is the capability of seeds to germinate.
 Seed maturity. Seeds from a matured fruit that have a fully developed embryo.
 Free from insect or mechanical damage
 Pure for the crop variety
 Contain little or no inert matter or weed seeds.
 Free from seed borne diseases
 Seed storage.
Procurement of Seeds
There are ways of procuring seeds to be planted:
 You can buy seeds from the stores
Most seeds you can buy from the stores are hybrid seeds. They are a product of crosses of two
different varieties. It produces plants with vigor, disease resistance and productivity. Hybrid
seeds are more expensive.
 You can produce your own seeds to plant
You can save vegetable seeds from your own garden produce to plant for the next cropping. In
seed savings, it involves selecting good variety of plants from which to save seeds and harvesting
seeds at the right time.
Factors to consider when securing seeds
 Quality of the seeds
 Adaptation of the seeds to the locality
Advantage of Producing own seeds for planting
 The supply of seeds needed in your farm is already available
 It improves the quantity and quality of your product.
Disadvantage of producing your own seeds
 It calls for the knowledge of the principle of plant breeding.
 You won’t get the same quality of plant when you grow it
 Seed growing in an exacting work
 It calls for keen observation
 Requires application of detail
 Activity 1

Read and analyze the situation. Then answer the question briefly. Write your answer on a separate sheet
of paper.

Situation:
Ika is a junior high school student. She has a project in vegetable production. She bought a pack of eggplant
seeds from a side walk vendor. When he sowed the eggplant seeds in the seed box. She was surprised that only
few eggplant seeds germinated.

Questions.
1. Why do you think are the reasons why only few seeds germinated?
2. If you are Ika, are you going to buy seeds from anyone? Why?
 WEEK 2
Growing Seedlings:
Sow Seeds on Tray Compartments

Proper seed growing techniques

Seed germination is when the seeds is developed into a new plant.
Seed Germination Stages
 Imbibition. Germination begins with the absorption of water. The seed coat or also known
as the testa, ruptures and the embryonic root or the radicle grows into the ground to absorb
nutrients and minerals from the soil.
 The cotyledon emerges and produces the primary leaves.
 The growing plant can be divided into parts, the epicotyl or embryonic shoots, embryonic
stem, also known as the hypocotyl, and the developing roots

Factors that affect the germination of seeds

1. Water. Seeds need to take a enough amount of water. It provides moisture and helps in rupturing of
seeds.
2. Temperature. Different seeds require different optimum temperature. The optimum temperature of most
crops is around 25°C - 30° C.
3. Adequate sunlight. Some species require adequate sunlight before germinating.
4. Suitable growing media.
5. Seed dormancy. There are some seeds which require more time to germinate. Some seeds become
dormant because of thick seed coats and/ or immature embryo.

Depth of Sowing
Planting seeds at the right depth will help them develop into hardy seedlings and increase the rate of
germination. The depth varies depending on the size and types of seeds. Generally, seeds can be sown into the
soil not deeper than twice its diameter
General Guidelines for Seed Depth
 Seeds should be planted at a depth of two times the width or the diameter of the seeds. Example , if your
seeds is ½ inch wide , you plant the seeds an inch deep.
 For tiny seeds, place them on the surface of the soil and barely cover them with soil.
 Do not compress the soil atop the seeds as you plant them. The soil should not be compacted.
  You can also refer on the required planting depth of the variety from package of the seeds that you
bought.

Importance of seed sowing

Sowing is the most important operation in vegetable production. The seeds must be placed at a
required depth in a moist soil so as to get the optimum condition for its germination. It is important because you
can make lots of new plant for your garden. Seed sowing also gives you a great satisfaction in knowing you’ve
played a part in creating those plants, which is one of the most rewarding aspects of producing crops.

Activity # 1

Check ( /) the plants that are directly planted and (X) those that are indirectly planted.
___ 1. Okra ___ 6. Beans
___ 2. Eggplant ___ 7. Petchay
___ 3. Squash ___ 8. Tomato
___ 4. Bell pepper ___ 9. radish
___ 5. Carrots ___ 10 cucumber
 Grow Seedlings: Conduct Seed Testing WEEK 3

Seed Germination is the resumption of the growth of the seed embryo after the period of dormancy.
Most of the local farmers who are in small scale vegetable gardening, save their own seeds for the next
planting season. To make sure that your seeds is still viable you have to conduct seed testing.

The objective of seed testing is to assure that the seeds that you are going to plant is still viable for planting.

Purposes of seed testing

 Remove impurities
 Find out the percentage of seed germination
 Economize labor and expenses in re- planting
 Obtain a uniform stand of crops
 Discover whether or not the seeds is true to its name

The following are the various seed testing method which can be performed by the home gardener/
planters:
 Floating in Water.
Duration for this method is about 15-20 minutes. It is the quickest method.
Steps:
 Take your seeds and put them in an exceedingly jar or basin of water. Allow them to set for 10-
15 minutes. If the seeds sinks, they’re still viable for planting, if they float, they presumable
won’t sprout. These method works well for large seeds like corn and bean seeds but this may not
work if the seeds are very tiny like petchay and carrot seeds.

 Rag doll method

Duration for this method is about 3-14 days depending on the kind of seeds you are going to test.
This is the time- tested method for old seeds.
Materials needed: paper towel or any moisture holding materials, seeds, water and plastic zip
bag.
 Wet the paper towel and fold in fourths. It should be moistened, not dripping.
 Put your seeds inside the paper towel and make sure the seeds are not touching.
 Place the wet paper towel inside the plastic bag.
 Check the packaged every few days and note the germination.

 Petri dish method. The seeds will be germinated petri dish

Materials needed: petri dish, filter paper, seeds
 Moisten a piece of filter paper in a petri dish
 Place the seeds in row
 Seed box -Fill the seed box with soil. Water them
thoroughly and let the excess water drain out. When you plant the seeds make sure that the soil
should be moist but not soaking wet.
Percentage Germination
Percentage germination provides a good estimation on the viability of the population of the seeds tested.
In obtaining the percentage germination you will be able to determine whether the seeds you bought or stored
are of good quality or not.
Computing percentage of seed germination
How to compute the percentage germination of the seeds? What formula will be used to obtain percentage
germination?
The percentage germination is computed using the given formula:
No. of seeds germinated
% germination =_______________________________ × 100
Total number of seeds sown/tested

Safety Precautions on Handling Chemicals

 Use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
 Dispense chemicals in well ventilated area.
 Follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
 Label and restore the chemicals properly.
 Provide emergency eye wash.
 Clean up spills immediately.
 Change your clothes after using chemicals.
 Do not smoke when handling chemicals.

ACTIVITY # 1

Angie performed the paper towel method in testing the viability of her eggplant seeds. She tested 120
seeds of eggplant. After several days there were only 95 seeds germinated.
Using the formula given compute for the percentage germination of the eggplant seeds.
Given: No. of seeds tested = 120
No. of seeds germinated = 95
No. of seeds germinated
% germination =_______________________________ × 100
Total number of seeds sown/tested

% germination = ___________ x 100

% germination = ___________________
 WEEK 4
Pre-Planting Operations
Pre- Planting Operations are series of activities carried out in a form management system prior to
planting the seed or planting materials. They are those operations you carry out before sowing the seeds.
Pre-planting operations are very important; they are the foundation on which you build the success and
survival of the crop. Most farmers experience crop the failure because of the failure in the pre-planting
operations.

Examples of pre-planting operations are:

 seed procurement
 land preparation
 soil pH determination
 seed treatment
 seed viability test
 plant population determination
Now let me enumerate why these pre-planting operations are paramount to the success and
survival of your farm business.
1. Seed Procurement
Firstly, where and how do you outsource your seeds or planting materials?
This is where most farmers get it wrong. You are expected to get your planting materials or
seeds from a reputable agro-allied store. The word reputable is very important here; because, when your
seeds or planting materials are bad, automatically you are going to experience crop failure not only crop
failure but also huge losses of investments, because the pre-planting operations you had carried out are
no longer useful.
2. Land Preparation
This is another important pre-planting operation in agriculture that most farmers get wrong
from inception. Land preparation aims to provide a suitable environment from your seeds and crop.
For your crop, it ensures a sterile environment where crop pests and disease pathogens are
eradicated. It also provides anchorage and support for the crop.
3. Soil pH Determination
I am sure you know that crops also select the type of plant they grow on; you will need to
check the compatibility of your soil with the land you intent to use by running a Soil pH test. The
soil pH meter ranges from 1 – 14; most crops thrive best in soil with pH reading within 5.5 – 6.5.
Soil pH can be carried out in two ways:

 Mechanical analysis: this is carried out in the laboratory. Here, the exact soil pH value is gotten
after carrying the test.
 On field test: there are ways you test soil pH without going to the laboratory. This can be
achieved using a material such as litmus paper.
 When the value you obtain from soil testing falls below or above these values, 5.5-6.5, you
need to correct the soil pH through liming.
4. Seed Treatment
Even after buying your seeds from a reputable agro-allied company. It is essential you treat
your seed or planting material. Seed treatment serves two purposes:

 It hastens germination.
 It protects the seeds or planting material from pest and diseases.

There are different ways to treat seeds or planting materials; seed treatment for plantain
suckers is different from that of maize seeds. To hasten germination, the seeds can be bruised
mechanically to aid water imbibition; hence, quick germination is achieved.

5. Seed Viability

It is very imperative that you test the viability of the seeds before planting to determine if the
embryo of the seed is alive or dead. Although, in most cases, the manufacturer of the seeds would
have indicated the viability percentage; but in cases where this is devoid, you can carry out a very
simple viability test using water. Just pour the seeds in water, leave for about 20 minutes, the
floating ones are dead while the ones below are good for planting.

6. Plant Population Determination

If you are planting, you should be able to predict your yield. It allows you to estimate your
profit and assist in making farm management decisions. There is a formula to calculate the plant
population.

Plant population formula is: Seed rate x Land size

Spacing
ACTIVITY # 1
You already have an idea about pre-planting operations. Now, let me measure what you
have.
Get your activity notebook and answer the following questions:
1. Why is it pre-planting operations are paramount to the success and survival of a farm business?
(5 points)
2. How important is implementing the pre-planting operations in our farm? Explain your answer. (5
points)
3. Among the six pre-planting operations, what do you think is the most important and why?
 (5 points)

Pre-Cultural Preparation Practices

WEEK 5

Pre- Cultural Practices

1. Farmers Conduct a Market Survey

“Do you undertake a market survey to determine the crop to cultivate?”

Most smallholder farmers are not in touch with the present reality about the market. Therefore,
they tend to struggle selling what they have produced rather than producing what they can sell. Market
surveys provide useful information in guiding a producer (farmer) in producing what he/she can sell.

The conduction of market survey recognizes market survey as the first fundamental practice that
smallholder farmers must undertake regularly in order to realize economic returns from farm.

Market surveys need not be cumbersome; farmers should obtain the following information on the
crop of their choice:

– During which month there is peak demand for the crop

– The price of the crop during the peak demand
– The crop variety that has the highest demand
– Supply requirements (quantities and frequency)
– Quality of market requirements
– The source of current supply
– Potential buyers and terms and modes of payment
– Marketing challenges, trader’s willingness to buy from them.

A Black Nightshade Planting Calendar

The answers to the above questions determine what the farmer can sell in terms of quality,
quantity and the anticipated profit margins.

2. Crop Planting Calendar

“Do you use crop planting calendar(s) to plan production for the next cropping
season?
A crop planting calendar is a tool for farmers to plan for production to ensure that marketing
coincides with the period of the year when the market price of a produce is highest.
Procedure
1. determine from the market survey results when there is peak demand for selected crops
2. work backward from the month when there is peak demand to prepare monthly farm activities
preceding the peak period
3. use the monthly activities preceding the peak as a procurement plan for farm inputs and a guide for
farm operations

True/False

Direction: Identify whether the statement is true or false. Write TRUE if the
statement is correct and FALSE if the statement is incorrect. Put your
answer in the space provided before each number.

______1. Market surveys provide useful information in guiding a producer

(farmer) in producing what he/she can sell.
______2. The manure application is 2 – 3 kg per m2.
______3. The fertilizer application is 80 kg DAP per acre.
______4. Transplanting happens 50 days after seed germination.
______5. Market surveys need not be cumbersome.
______6. There is a need to use the monthly activities preceding the peak as
a procurement plan for farm inputs and a guide for farm operations.
______7. A crop planting calendar is a tool for farmers to plan for production to
ensure that marketing coincides with the period of the year when the
market price of a produce is low.
______8. The work backward from the month when there is peak demand to
prepare monthly farm activities preceding the peak period.
______9. We have to determine from the planting calendar the results when
there is peak demand for selected crops.
______10. The conduction of market survey recognizes market survey as the
first fundamental practice that big holder farmers must undertake
regularly in order to realize economic returns from farm.
 Pre-Cultural Preparation Practices WEEK 6

3. Collecting Soil Samples

“Do you undertake soil testing at least once in two to three years?”
It is recommended to have the soils analyzed for nutrient availability and other factors vital to crop
production after every 2-3 years. The results of the soil analysis should be used to determine fertilizer and
manure requirement.
Establishing the type and quantity of fertilizer is vital in:
– increase production
– avoiding making the soils either too acidic or alkaline
– saving expenditure on inputs thus reducing the cost of production and
increasing the profitability
4. Manure Preparation through Composting

“Do you use recommended composting practices by using different organic materials to supply major nutrients:
Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K)? ”

 Most smallholder farmers apply either immature or inadequate quantity of manure/compost.

 Most smallholder farmers do not have money to purchase adequate amount of inorganic fertilizers
 Due to significant role of manure in increasing crop productivity, farmers need to adopt more efficient
methods of preparing the manure.
 Adopting more efficient methods of preparing manure will ensure optimal application, thus increasing
productivity

5. Quality Seed/Planting Materials

“Do you use recommended quality planting material(s) with one or more of the following characteristics:
disease resistance and tolerance, high yielding, early maturing, better tastes, size, and longer shelf life?”

 The fifth fundamental practice of the quality seed/planting materials is the use of quality seed/planting
materials
 Use of quality seed/planting materials can positively improve the returns of smallholder farmers for two
major reasons:
– High yields
– Less expenditure on control of pests and diseases, since the materials
are either resistant or tolerant to the menace
 The overall effect is higher net income
 Activity 1.

Answer the following questions below: Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Have you ever tried an organic composting? What materials did you collect? (5 points)
2. Based from the physical appearance of soil, can you determine whether the soil is still fertile
or not? Explain your answer. (5 points)
3. Do you think you can determine the quality of seeds based from its physical appearance?
Why? (5 points)