Field efficacy of Alka Foliar 5-5-8 foliar fertilizer on the growth and yield of Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis (Pechay)

Alka Foliar 5-5-8, a well-balanced natural foliar fertilizer derived from seaweed extracts enriched with different naturally sourced minerals, was evaluated under field condition for its effect on the growth and yield of pechay. Its best level for the optimum growth and yield of pechay was also determined. A field trial laid-out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was conducted with six treatments replicated three times. Results showed that Alka Foliar 5-5-8 performed well in comparison with the control, by giving a yield advantage comparable with the positive control, 19-19-19. In full recommended rate, it was able to enhance pechay production in terms of total fresh yield, marketable yield, plant height, leaf width and number of leaves when applied as supplement to inorganic fertilizer. Plants treated with Alka Foliar 5- 5-8 can significantly improve the yield and quality of pechay. In addition, the bioefficacy data for all measured parameters showed significant differences to the control, while no significant differences were found among all other treatments, although the pechay plants treated with Alka Foliar 5-5-8 were noticeably better than those in the control. In terms of feasibility in pechay production, double dose of Alka Foliar in combination with reduced amount of an appropriate inorganic fertilizer is highly recommended to obtain the highest possible income. These data will also be used for full product registration with the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority in the Philippines