Improving the growth of cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. Cerasiforme) using irradiated carrageenan

SOPHIA THERESE L. PAMATI-AN, CHRISTINE A. MIRAFLORES, JOHN A. HENRY GALINO, and ZENNIFER L. OBERIO
Philippine Science High School – Western Visayas Campus, Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute, Philippines

Abstract
This study determined the effects of irradiated carrageenan on the plant growth and yield of cherry tomatoes. The irradiated carrageenan solution used in the study was provided by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute. Irradiated carrageenan (experimental), commercial foliar fertilizer (positive control) and tap water (negative control) were used in foliar spraying the plants. Stem length, stem diameter, leaf area, number of days to flowering, number of days to priming, number of branches and number of harvested fruits were recorded. The diameter, length, and weight of the fruits were also recorded. Plants sprayed with irradiated carrageenan were found to have longer and bigger stems compared to plants in the other setups, more primary branches and number of harvested fruits, and earlier to first priming. Overall, these results indicate that irradiated carrageenan primarily improves the growth of cherry tomatoes during its vegetative state, which could lead to earlier harvests and improved production.

Keywords: cherry tomatoes, plant growth, plant yield, irradiated carrageenan, growth promoters