Growth and Yield Response of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.

) to Fermented
Seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) at Varying Concentrations

________________

A Thesis Proposal
Presented to the faculty of the
Agriculture Department
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Zamora, Bilar, Bohol

______________

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

______________

Glecy Marie A. Bucia

Homer John E. Catiquista
Arnel M. Mejasco

June 2025
 PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Rationale

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), locally known as "Pipino" is one of the most

important crops in the world. It is a monoecious annual vegetable belonging to the

Cucurbitaceous family with creeping (trailing) vines and thrives in warm climates,

maturing quickly. This versatile crop can grow in various soil types and is valued for

both personal consumption and commercial trade (BAS, 2014). Like watermelon,

cucumbers contain about 95% water, and also rich in essential nutrients like vitamin

K, B, and C, as well as copper, polyphenols and other beneficial compounds that

may contribute to reducing the risk of chronic diseases. (Rayalu, 2021). Cucumber

plants generally need phosphorus, potassium calcium, magnesium, sulfur and more

specifically, nitrogen, as sufficient amount of available nitrogen during the first growth

and establishment stages will assist the plant with vegetable growth (Wikifarmer

Editorial Contributor, 2020)

For the past decades, farmers in the Philippines have relied on chemicals

for agricultural production. They use nonorganic fertilizers, pesticides, hormones

growth, regulators, which have harmful effects on the environment and human

health. The main challenge now is how to shift from chemical-based farming to a

more sustainable and nature-friendly approach. Nowadays, there have been new

approaches developed to minimize the utilization of inorganic fertilizers and one of

these is natural farming.

Natural farming allows plants to grow in a 100% natural environment with

minimal human interference and without harmful chemicals. The FAO (1998)

supports natural farming to improve food security. It defines natural farming as a

complete system that promotes biodiversity, natural biological cycles, and healthy

soil activity. A key aspect of this approach is the use of biofertilizer which harness

the beneficial microorganisms to improve the soil fertility and plant growth. For

instance, Rhizobium, Azosphirillium, Cyanobacteria. (BYJU’S Editorial Contributor,

2025) Moreover, seaweeds have also been recognized as a biofertilizer.

The seaweeds are benthic organisms, usually attached to solid substrates,

ranging from shallow coastal waters. It is a photosynthetic organism and are primary

producers, one of the main sources of organic matter for aquatic ecosystems,

playing a crucial role in the carbon cycle as they fix it through photosynthesis. (Silva,

2018)

The seaweeds provide a wide range of products such as Food Agricultural

products (bio stimulants, growth regulator, biofertilizer, etc.). Seaweeds are proven

to be effective as biofertilizer such as Fermented Seaweed Extract. FSE are known

to benefit plants by promoting early seed germination, enhancing growth, increasing

crop yield, and helping plants resist environmental stresses and rich in essential

nutrients, organic compounds, vitamins, and fatty acids (Karthik, 2023). Thus, a cost-

effective alternative to expensive synthetic fertilizers.

This study aims to evaluate the growth and yield response of cucumber with

application of varying levels of fermented seaweed extract, the Kappaphycus

alvarezii. Given the increasing interest in organic and sustainable farming practices,

exploring the potential of K. alvarezii as a biofertilizer could provide an eco-friendly

alternative to synthetic inputs. The findings of this study may contribute to improve

crop management strategies or can potentially increase local farmers under the
cucumber production while promoting the beneficial use of fermented seaweed that

is an abundant marine resource.

Related Review of Literature

The following related readings served as the legal bases of the study:

The Executive Order No. 481, known as the Promotion and Development of

Organic Agriculture in the Philippines, Section 8 states that the DA, DOST, SUCs

and other appropriate agencies such as but not limited to scientific and professional

organizations and the research institutions shall develop, enhance, support and

consolidate activities and related technologies to protect the environment and

improve quality and increase value-added for global competitiveness of organic

produce. (Ermita, 2005)

Section 2 of R.A. 8435 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act

stated that "The State shall promote development that is compatible with the

preservation of the ecosystem in areas where agriculture and fishery activities are

carried out. The State shall exert care and judicious use of the country's natural

resource to attain long-term sustainability" (Oposa, 2002, p.131)

Republic 1151, an act that shall boost small Filipino organic producers. This

was signed by former President Duterte which took effect on the 21 st of January

2021 as an amendment to RA 10068, declared the comprehensive government

policy of the Philippines to promote and further develop the practice of Organic

Agriculture (OA) in the country and promote community-based organic agriculture

system. This is guided by the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) as

implemented by its board member under the Department of Agriculture. The act
affirms the governments confidence in the benefits of OA to increase the farm

productivity and incomes by reducing imported agro-chemicals.

The following related literature provide background information to the study:

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is an important vegetable crop belonging to

Cucurbitaceae or Gord Family which includes squash and muskmelon. It is as well-

known crop in the Philippines due to its versatility as food and medicine. It is a

creeping vine, with large, triangular leaves that form a canopy over the fruit. The

young stems in the ground are grown up in trellises or other supporting frames,

wrapping around ripping with spiraling tendrils, having an enclosed seed and

developing from a flower, cucumber is classified as fruits. It has usually more than

90% water. The fruits are edible, delicious, low calories and excellent source of fiber

needed for a healthy digestive system. The fruit of the cucumber is roughly

cylindrical, elongated with tapered ends. (Parnes R. 1990)

Cucumber are good sources of Phytonutrients (plant chemical that have

protective or disease preventive properties) such as flavonoids, lignans and

triterpenes, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits

(Callum, 2022). Cucumber also had a considerable number of calories small amount

of vitamin K, vitamin A and are about 95% of water. They also have several other

phytonutrients (plant chemicals) called lignans (WebMD Editorial Contributor, 2024)

Seaweed fertilizer belongs to natural seaweed extract, which is harmless to

humans and animals and has no pollution to the environment. It is listed as a special

fertilizer for organic food production abroad. It is a natural, efficient and new type of

organic fertilizer. Seaweed fertilizer conforms to the development trend of modern

agriculture, and the market space is very broad. At present, natural organic fertilizers
such as seaweed fertilizers have been widely used in developed countries and

regions such as Europe and the United States and are gradually replacing chemical

fertilizers. (Daiwei, 2014)

Kappaphycus, a red seaweed locally known as ‘guso’ or ‘tambalang,’

constitutes eighty percent of the Philippines’ seaweed export (BAS 2015). It is also

one of the top three marine-based export of the country. As an aquaculture

enterprise, seaweed farming has been proven to be a top foreign exchange earner.

Likewise, it can provide alternative livelihood for coastal farmers. Kappaphycus may

be eaten but it is predominantly used as source of carrageenan which has a wide

range of uses as an emulsifier, binder, gelling and thickening agent in food and non-

food products. (SEAFDEC Editorial Contributor, 2025)

Biofertilizer

Biofertilizers are the product of fermentation process, constituting efficient

living soil microorganisms. They improve plant growth and productivity through

supply of easily utilizable nutrients. Biofertilizers are grouped into different types

based on their functions such as nitrogen-fixing, phosphate-solubilizing, phosphate

mobilizing, and other plant growth-promoting biofertilizers promoting plant growth by

different mechanisms. Solid-state fermentation and submerged fermentation are two

main types of fermentation, used for the production of biofertilizers. Each type of

biofertilizer is prepared by selection of efficient microbial strain, its cultivation using

specific nutrient medium, scale-up, and formulation using solid or liquid base.

Knowledge about host specificity of the microbial strain and properties of soil and

environmental conditions of the field are the important factors which determine the

success of biofertilizer application. (Suthar, 2017)

 According to Yusuf (2021), seaweed has potential as an organic fertilizer due

to the wide variety of trace metals (Fe, B, Ca, Cu, Cl, K, Mg, and Mn) contained, as

well as the presence of growth regulators (PGR), including auxins, cytokinin, and

gibberellins, with the ability to stimulate growth and increase plant production.

The following related studies are taken from previous researchers given the

proof and evidence as to the existence of this type of research:

Based on the findings of Dalwale et al., (2022,) on Influence of Biofertilizer

and Foliar Application of Seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) extract on growth and

yield of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) it was reported that seaweed has significantly

contributed on plant height, number of leaves per plant, and crop growth rate when

applied with 10% concentration due to the presence of biological activity of cytokinin

and auxins which lengthens internodes and promote cell division.

According to Bangi et al., (2024) on efficiency of FSE as foliar fertilizer at

varying frequency and concentration of peanut (Arachis hypogaea), on concentration

of 5%,10%,15%,20%, the 5-10% fermented seaweed fertilizer provided the best

result, significantly influenced the growth parameters and yield response in peanut

production when applied twice a week which led to highest yield (2.49 tons per

hectare)

As cited by Nivetha (2024), on his study on k. alvarezii as a biostimulant for

Zea mays, the tropical red seaweed (K. alvarezii) increased the phenotypic growth of

Zea mays in terms of greater leaf area, total plant height and shoot flesh. In addition,

it improved the accumulation of chlorophyl a and b, total carotenoids, total soluble

sugars and amino acids and treatments were also found to enrich several soil

bacteria in which contributes to plant growth promotion.

 On the study conducted by Pascual et al., (2020) on Fermented seaweed

Kappaphycus alvarezii by product on growth and development of Lactuta sativa, he

used 5L of molasses ang 5kg of seaweed waste residue with the ratio of 1:1,and it

showed significant result in which, it produced the tallest plant at 13.77±0.54SE cm. ,

produced the highest growth rate at 5.31±0.19SE cm, and topped all other

treatments with a leaf length of 15.44±0.54 SE cm. The study indicated that

fermented seaweed extract can improve growth rate, improved shoot length and

increased leaf length due to effect of auxins, and other growth promoting hormones

of seaweeds.

The study conducted by Padmavathy (2011)on the effects of fermented

seaweed fertilizer in the soil microbial community of paddy plants (Oryza sativa L.).

The paddy seedlings were divided into five groups, control (C0), chemical fertilizer

(CF), seaweed fertilizer (SF), chemical and seaweed fertilizer combination 50:50

(CFSF1), and chemical and fertilizer combination 75:25 (CFSF2). The CFSF1

combination showed to be the most effective in inducing plant height (83.99 ± 3.70

cm) and number of tillers (24.20 ± 4.08). After 8 weeks after transplantation, the

isolated DNA from each soil treatment were subjected to 16S rRNA (v3–v4 region)

next-generation sequencing. The beneficial Acidobacteriota was most abundant in

CFSF1 In addition, the CFSF1-treated soils show significantly higher diversity of

ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA). The

current results could potentially contribute to the utilization of SF as a bioremediator

and promoting green agriculture practice by reducing the amount of CF usage.

 THE PROBLEM

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to determine the growth and yield response of cucumber

(Cucumis sativus) to Fermented Seaweed Extract (K. alvarezii) application at varying

concentrations. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What are the growth and yield responses of cucumber applied with different

concentrations of fermented K. alvarezii in terms of:

1.1 Number of days from germination to flowering.

1.2 Plant height (cm).

1.3 Number of lateral vines

1.4 Number of fruits

1.5 Fruit diameter

1.6 Fruit length

1.7 Average fruit weight (g)

2. What concentration of fermented seaweed extract exhibits a significant effect on

the growth and yield response of cucumber?

3. Is there a significant difference among the growth and yield responses of

cucumber applied with different concentrations of fermented seaweed extract?

Null Hypothesis

There is no significant difference in the growth and yield response of

cucumber (Cucumis sativus) applied with different concentrations of fermented

seaweed extract.

Significance of the study

The study will be useful to the following:

Farmers. The study outcomes would provide valuable knowledge and insights to

farmers regarding cucumber production, serving as an additional resource to

enhance their understanding of this crop.

Extension worker. The study outputs would provide essential information regarding

the growth performance and incidence of diseases and insect pests in cucumber

production. This information will support extension workers in their advisory and

farmer assistance roles.

Academe. The findings of this study would have practical applications for academic

institutions in their instructional activities, research endeavors, and community

outreach programs. Additionally, the results will contribute to the characterization of

cucumber cultivators originating in Bilar, Bohol.

Students. The study findings would benefit students as a valuable reference or

guideline for conducting research studies related to Cucumber, allowing them to

deepen their knowledge and understanding of this crop.

 METHODOLOGY

The field study will be following randomized complete block design (RCBD) at

Integrated Crop Management (ICM) at Bohol Island State University-Bilar Campus.

The study site is an open field and easily affected by a certain climatic condition as

well as insect pest and disease incidence.

Design

The experimental treatments will consist of five rates of concentrations (2.5%,

5%, 10%,15%, 20%) ml/L. with five replications. The experimental area will be

divided into four blocks with five plots per block and 0.5 m between plots. In each

plot, 10 sample plants will be assigned at a planting distance of 40 cm between hills

and 60 cm between rows.

The treatments were as follows:

T1= 2.5% (25 ml FSE diluted with 975 ml water)

T2= 5% (50 ml FSE diluted with 950 ml water)

T3= 10% (100 ml FSE diluted with 900 ml water)

T4= 15% (150 ml FSE diluted with 850 ml water)

T5= 20% (200 ml FSE diluted with 800 ml water)

 BLOCK

I. II. III. IV.

T3 T5 1m T2 T1

0.5 m 1.90 m
….MMM

T5 T2 T1 T4 0.90 m

7.5 m T2 T3 T4 T5

T1 T4 T3 T2

T4 T1 T5 T3

11.6 m

Figure 1. Experimental layout of the study showing RCBD

Total land area: 87 square meters

Area per plot: 1.71 square meters

Procedures

Materials and Equipment: The materials and equipment will be used were

for the following: Cucumber seed, Seaweeds (Kappaphycus alvarezii), muscovado

sugar, cloth, pail, 1 liter plastic bottle, rice hull with chicken dung, farm implements,

carabao, bolo, post, spring, nylon, sprayer and recording materials.

Land Preparation: Soil media, composing garden soil, vermicompost and

carbonized rice hull with a ratio of 1:1:1 will be gathered in a tray and the seeds will

be sown and watered once a day to give enough moisture. When seeds will

germinate, it will be exposed to sunlight to avoid etiolation.

Transplanting of the seed: The seedlings will be transplanted after 14-15

days after sowing on the prepared lots.

Cultivation and Trellising. Cultivation and weeding will be done when weeds

start to appear. Care will be observed in removing the growing weeds to prevent

disturbance of the cucumber crop roots. Two weeks after sowing, trellises will be

constructed using bamboo slats and nylon twine to facilitate the growth and spread

of the cucumber vines. All plants will be provided with trellises.

Care and Maintenance: The research area will be monitored daily. Plants will

be supplied with adequate amount of water depending on weather. Cultivation and

weeding will be done when weeds appeared.

PREPARATION OF TREATMENT

Fermented Seaweed Extract Preparation: Procurement of seaweed from a

local market ensures a fresh and high quality of seaweeds (Kappaphycus alvarezii)

for fermentation. Upon acquisition, the seaweeds will be washed thoroughly for three

times to remove salt, sand and debris. The cleaned seaweed is sundried for 2-3

days until it become lightweight and before fermentation, dried seaweed is

rehydrated overnight by soaking it in clean water, and after, mixed with muscovado

sugar with the ratio (1:1) and then placed it on a plastic container, will be covered

with manila paper and left to ferment for 4 weeks in a cool, shaded area.

Application of Fermented Seaweed Extract: Application of Fermented

seaweed extract will be made in late afternoon every seven days through soil drench

as it allows gradual absorption on soil.

Harvesting: Harvesting of cucumber fruits will be based on its recommended

commercial maturity index by greening of the fruit skin apart from its medium size.

Harvesting will be done by careful and prompt handling and picking or cutting from

vines using a knife or scissor.

Data collection: The collection of data will focus on the growth and yield of

cucumber, including the number of days from germination to flowering, measurement

of the plant height from the base of the plant to the tip of the vine, number of lateral

vines, number of fruits, fruit diameter, fruit length, average fruit weight per gram.
 Number of Days from Germination to Flowering: the date of seed sowing

will be recorded and monitor the plants daily for the appearance of the first flower.

Plant Height: A week after transplanting, the first data will be taken

measuring each plant’s height or length per cm from the base up to the shoots. Ten

plants will be collected each plot and then divided into ten to get the mean of each

hill and the second data will be collected on fourth week.

Number of lateral vines: The collection of data will be on the 4 th, 6th, and 8th

week starting by counting of vines. The data that we’ll be gathering will be recorded

accordingly for statistical analysis.

Number of Fruits: The weight of each harvested fruit will be measured using

a digital weighing scale. The total weight of all harvested fruits per plot will be divided

by the number of fruits to obtain the average fruit weight in grams.

Fruit Diameter: Data will be taken by measuring the diameter of the

harvested fruits on every plot using vernier caliper. The same process will be done

on the other plants. The data will be recorded immediately for statistical analysis.

Fruit length: The data will be taken by measuring the length of the harvested

fruits. The length will be measured from its base to the tip using a ruler along with

the other plots.

 Average fruit weight: Number of Fruits: The total number of fruits per plant

will be recorded at each harvest. Fruits will be counted individually per plant, and the

sum will be taken per plot for statistical analysis.

Statistical Analysis

The data collected will be tabulated and analyzed using the Analysis of

Variance (ANOVA). Significant difference will further be analyzed using Least

Significant Difference (LSD) and all the data will be collected using Statistical Tool

for Analysis Research (STAR)

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.): A widely cultivated vegetable crop known for

its highwater content, nutritional benefits, and commercial value.

Natural Farming: An agricultural practice that avoids synthetic chemicals and

promotes sustainable, eco-friendly methods of crop cultivation.

Biofertilizer: A fertilizer containing beneficial microorganisms that enhance soil

fertility and plant growth.

Fermented Seaweed Extract (FSE): A liquid biofertilizer derived from the

fermentation of seaweed, rich in nutrients and growth hormones.

Kappaphycus alvarezii: A species of red seaweed used as a biofertilizer due to

its high nutrient and plant growth-promoting content.

Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD): A statistical method used in

agricultural experiments to minimize variations and ensure accurate results.

Germination: The process by which a seed develops into a seedling, marked by

the emergence of a root and shoot.

Trellising: A technique of using support structures like bamboo slats or nylon

twine to help climbing plants grow properly.

Soil Drenching: A method of applying liquid fertilizers or biofertilizers directly to

the soil for better nutrient absorption by plant roots.

Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs): Chemical substances that influence plant

growth and development, including auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins.

Molasses: A byproduct of sugar production used in fermentation processes to

provide energy for beneficial microbes.

Photosynthesis: The process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and

water to produce energy (glucose) and oxygen.

Soil Fertility: The ability of soil to provide essential nutrients to support healthy

plant growth.
Macronutrients: Essential nutrients required by plants in large amounts,

including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Micronutrients: Nutrients needed by plants in small amounts, such as iron, zinc,

copper, and manganese.

Crop Yield: The total amount of harvested crop per unit area, often measured in

kilograms or tons per hectare.

Lateral Vines: Secondary stems that grow from the main stem of vining plants

like cucumbers, contributing to plant growth and fruit production.

Chlorophyll: A green pigment in plants responsible for absorbing light energy

during photosynthesis.

Organic Agriculture: A farming system that avoids synthetic fertilizers and

pesticides, promoting ecological balance and biodiversity.

Agricultural Sustainability: The practice of maintaining long-term productivity in

farming while minimizing environmental impact.

Carbon Cycle – The natural process of carbon movement through the

environment, including its absorption by plants for photosynthesis.

Inorganic Fertilizers: Chemically synthesized fertilizers that provide essential

nutrients to plants but may contribute to soil degradation over time.

Biodiversity: The variety of living organisms in an ecosystem, which contributes

to its stability and productivity.

Nutrient Deficiency: A condition where plants lack essential nutrients, leading to

poor growth and lower yield.

Climate Adaptation: Adjustments made by crops or farmers to cope with

changing environmental conditions.

Crop Management: Practices used to optimize plant growth, health, and yield,

including fertilization, irrigation, and pest control.

Harvesting Maturity Index: The stage at which a crop is ready for harvest,

based on characteristics like color, size, and firmness.

Extension Worker: A professional who provides technical assistance and

guidance to farmers on improved agricultural practices.

Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (RA 8435): A Philippine law that

promotes sustainable farming and responsible use of natural resources.

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Fermented seaweed contains cytokinin, auxin, and polyamines like putrescine and

spermine to promote the height of tomato plants (Almohammedi et al., 2014)