Blessy Ann L. Ayco, Irish Blanche R. Reloj (March 2012)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
Calamansi Citrofortunella microcarpa is commonly used for: making beverages, stain remover, add-ons on cosmetics, medicines, and also an important source of vitamin C. In the Philippines, it mostly popular for its use in cooking. Gibberellic acid (GA3) is a naturally occurring plant growth regulator found in seeds which may promote seedlessness and may also have an effect on fruity quality. This study aims to measure and compare the percent weight of the fruit without the seeds, total soluble sugars (TSS), pH levels and vitamin C content of calamansi fruits applied with different concentrations of GA3 at varying stages of flower development. Three calamansi tress were used, each trees were divided had concentrations 20 ppm, 40 ppm and control where no solution was sprayed. These three treatments were sprayed at tree different stages of flower development, and replicated ten times in three different trees. The weight was measured using the digital weighing scale, pH level was determined using a universal pH paper, TSS was measured using a handheld refractometer, and vitamin C content was determined using iodometric titration. The data gathered were analyzed using Two-way ANOVA to determine significance. Further test for significant difference was computed using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Results of the study suggest that the application of GA3 have the possibility to induce calamansi into seedlessness and enhance the sour flavor of the calamansi if applied at the proper concentration and time.