Tambayan ng Kaalaman Tungkol sa Pilipinas
PYRETHRUM FLOWER Is a kind if white chrysanthemum that grows in high altitudes like the Mountain province. It contains pyrethrin, a chemical that drives insect away. The higher the altitude, the stronger is its pyrethrin content.
The pyrethrin or pesticide content in this flower is not harmful to humans and is beneficial to
plants like potatoes. It also repels insects’ pests that feed on cultured plants. Pyrethrin comes from chrysanthemum leaves.
From: Greenfields
Biological pesticides
The use of commercial pesticides kills; not only the target insect pests, but also beneficial
insects like spider, grasshoppers and others. Besides this, it leaves residues in the plant
where it is sprayed, and is harmful to the person spraying. If inhaled, pesticide can cause
cancer in the long run.
Pesticides chemically prepared are expensive; we have plants that naturally repel harmful
insect at no cost, such as:
1. Wild pepper – dried and pulverized
– Spray on infected plants. When this becomes moist from dew, insect pests are repelled.
2. Combination of 3 pieces of garlic, 2 pieces pepper, and 2 piece onions grind and pulverize
these, soak overnight in water. By next morning, fill up the water to make 3 gallons. Strain and
spray on affected plants.
SIGN OF NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES IN SOIL
Nitrogen
1. Stunted growth seen in the size and shape of the leaves.
2. Yellowing of the leaves toward the bottom of plant while those toward the top are green.
3. Leaves are pale to yellow until they get dried.
4. Formerly thick leaves becomes thinner
Excess
1. Over grown leaves
2. soft body, water and attracts insects and diseases
Phosphorus
1. The plant does not grow.
2. Leaves are pale , then turn dark green.
3. Red stains appear on the leaves, or dark red or purple at the base or middle of the leaves.
4. Leaves turn light ash green with burnt edges if the deficiency is severe.
Potassium
1. Leaves turn ash gray, especially toward the end.
2. Stems are weak, easily break such as in corn and sorghum
3. Harvest is poor
4. Edges and base of leaves appear burnt and shriveled, and turn yellow to brown among
mature leaves.
FLOWERING OF PINEAPPLE AND OTHER CROP
According to studies at the UP Los Baños, flowering can be induced in some crop even out
season, with the help of calcium carbide . this can be done on papaya, bananas, coffee,
coffee and tomatoes.
Procedure
On pineapple 11 months old
1. Pound calcium carbide
2. Put a grain of pound calcium carbide in the middle of the pineapple crown
3. Pour water into it while
4. Gently pushing the carbide to make it reach the youngest leaf or bud
The plant will bear flower with a month. Commercial flower inducers are available at the market. Inquire from your agriculturist.
From: PCARRD Monitor April 1983, teknotulong .