Sushmita J. Aguilar, Nickcy Dulia Rose S. Cabrillos (March 2011)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
Jatropha curcas L. seeds are used as a source of biodiesel and after the oil extraction process, seed cake is left. the seed contains approximately 3-4.4% N, 0.65-1.2% P2O5, 0.8-1.4% k2O, and 0.2-0.35% S. J. curcas leaf extract is also an effective nematicide against M. ingcognita which attacks tomato plants (Lycopersicum escultentum). This study tested the nematicidal activity of J. curcas seed cake at different amounts on the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) and its effect on the growth of tomatoes (Lycopersicum escultentum) and on the amount of O.M., P, and K on soils with or without nematodes. The soil samples gathered were subjected to nematode extraction using Baermann funnel technique and were sent to the Department of Agriculture for O.M.PK analysis. The plant height, number of leaves and dry weight of tomato plants were determined. The results showed that the number of nematodes per 100 g of soil in each plot varies and no trend was observed. Plants which served as the control had the greatest number of leaves. Highest weight median was observed from plants which were treated with inorganic nematicide. The seed cake has a positive effect as a fertilizer on the growth of tomatoes if regulatedly applied. This study suggests that J. curcas seedcake can be a good fertilizer if applied in small amount.