Table of Contents

Introduction

Background of the study 1

Statement of the Problem 2

Hypotheses 2

Significance of the Study 2

Scope and Delimitations 3

Conceptual Framework 3

Definition of Terms 4

Review of Related Literature 5

Methodology 12

Results and Discussion 14

Summary, Conclusion, Recommendations 15

Appendices 17

Bibliography 19
 List of Tables

Table 1: Results after 7 days of experimenting 14

 List of Figures

Figure 1: Conceptual Framework 3

Figure 2: 300 Grams of Seaweed 17

Figure 3: Extracting the Seaweeds using Mortar and Pestle 17

Figure 4: The Bread with Fungi in a Zip lock Plastic Bag 17

Figure 5: Putting the small pieces of Bread with Fungi into the Set-ups 17

Figure 6: The Set-ups with small pieces of bread with fungi 17

Figure 7: Spraying the Seaweed Extract to Set-up A 18

Figure 8: Set-up A and Set-up B 18

Figure 9: Set-up A after 7 days 18

Figure 10: Leaves of Set-up A after 7 days 18

Figure 11: Set-up B after 7 days 18

Figure 12: Leaves of Set-up B after 7 days 18

Figure 13: Leaves of Set-up B after 7 days 18

 Introduction

Background of the Study

Diseases in plants are one of the most common and hardest problems that agricultural

farmers in the Philippines faces. Farmers won’t be able to sell diseased plants because they

are extremely dangerous and may cause an illness to a person who ate a diseased plant. A

plant has a disease if it shows the symptoms of anthracnose (birds-eye spot on berries),

phytophthora (damping off of seedlings), septoria brown spot (leaf spot) and chlorosis

(yellowing of the leaves). (Isleib, 2012)

85% of plant diseases are caused by fungal or fungal like organisms (Isleib, 2012) that

affects different parts of the plant like the stems, leaves, roots, fruits and it can also affect the

soil. Some signs that may appear in plants like leaf rust, stem rust, sclerotinia (white mold)

and powdery mildew means that there are fungi in the plant. (Isleib 2012)

Aside from rice, eggplant (Solanum melongena, Linn.), is one of the major vegetables

planted in Ilocos and there is a very high demand for this vegetable during wet seasons.

(Lutap & Ruiguian, 2007). Common diseases of eggplants caused by fungi are Cercospora

leaf spot, Alternaria rot, Anthracnose fruit rot, Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora blight and

Southern blight. (Walliser, 2014)

To solve these problems, the researcher decided to make use of the antifungal ability

of seaweeds to cure diseases of eggplants caused by fungi. According to a study, seaweeds

have the ability to enhance seed germination, improve plant growth and induce resistance to

frost, fungal and insect attack and increase nutrient uptake from soil. (Mohan et.al, 1993).

The fungi that the researcher will be using is mold, one of the most common fungi that

releases “spores” into the air, which is responsible for the diseases of fruits and vegetables

and spoilage of food. (Mold Bacteria Facts, n. d.)

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to support other studies about the antifungal ability of seaweeds and to

prevent the fungal diseases in eggplants. In order to do so, the researcher aims to answer

these questions:

(1) Is there a significant difference between the eggplant set-up that receives a seaweed

treatment and the eggplant set-up without treatment in terms of the amount of fungi?

(2) Were the seaweeds able to prevent or lessen the fungi on the eggplants in terms of

perpendicular diameter growth?

(3) Does the seaweed affect other factors of the eggplant, like height, color of the leaf,

size of the fruit, etc.?

Hypotheses

Alternative: There are significant effects between the eggplant that received seaweed

treatment and eggplant with no treatment.

Null: There are no significant effects between the eggplant that received seaweed

treatment and eggplant with no treatment.

Significance of the Study

The primary beneficiary of this study are farmers and backyard planters, to help them

prevent fungal diseases growing on their eggplants. It will also help vegetable markets and

vendors to earn more money if there are a lot of fresh and healthy eggplants. And of course, it

will people in the community, like Ilocanos who have a high demand for eggplants during
 wet seasons, because there are more eggplants that will be available and its perfectly safe so

they won’t be spending their money for expensive hospital fees.

Scope and Delimitation

The study focuses on the antifungal ability of seaweeds used on eggplants only and

nothing more. It will not include other plants that can be cured using the seaweed. It doesn’t

include other diseases caused by bacteria and pathogens for it focus fungal diseases.

Conceptual Framework

Fungi (Mold)

Eggplant Eggplant Eggplant

Antifungal Seaweed Spray Antifungal Seaweed Spray

50% Concentration 50% Concentration

Perpendicular Diameter Growth Test

Figure 1: Conceptual Framework

Definition of Terms

Antifungal – used to prevent fungal growth; active against fungi

Eggplant – belongs to the family of Solanaceae; is a long, purple and glossy vegetable;

beat from August through October

Fungi – eukaryotic, non-phototrophic organisms with rigid cell walls; includes

mushrooms, molds and yeasts

Mold - fungi that grow in the form of multicellular thread-like structures called

hyphae.

Plant Diseases – diseases where fungi, bacteria, pathogens, and other microorganisms take

their energy from plants on which they live and causes damages to the plant

Seaweeds – A large algae growing in the sea or on rocks below the high-water mark

Signs - (of plant disease) physical evidence of pathogen

Symptoms - (of plant disease) visible effect of the disease on the plant
 Review of Related Literature

Filipino Eggplants

Eggplants or Solanum melongena L. are distinguished by their trademark violet

blushed skin with green hues and stem and blossom end. They maintain the long and lean

appearance of Asian eggplants as well as the rich depth flavor that is developed when cooked.

The flesh is creamy white with just a trace of seeds. Once harvested, their size varies widely

because eggplants mature individually and some farmers prefer to harvest the young

eggplants. (Special Produce, n. d.)

Eggplants belong to the Solanaceae/nightshade family of vegetables, which also

includes tomatoes, bell peppers and potatoes. Eggplants grow hanging from the vines of a

plant that grows several feet in height like tomatoes. (World’s Healthiest Foods, n.d.) They

are the second most important fruit crop after tomato in the Solanaceae family tone of the

main vegetable crops in the Philippines (Specialty Produce, n.d.) and they are also one of the

major vegetables planted in Ilocos after rice. During wet seasons, the demand for eggplants

are very high and popular for eggplants but farmers seldom plant this crop because of

weather and pest problems (Lutap & Ruguian, 2007)

Eggplants are cultivated throughout the Philippines for the edible fruit; popular in the

rural day-to-day cuisine. It is a good source of vitamins A, B and C and also calcium,

phosphorus, iron and some carbohydrates and fiber. (Filipino Herbs Healing Wonders, 2009)

Plant disease

All kinds of plants are subjected to plant diseases, which are impairment of the

normal state of a plant that interrupts or modifies its vital functions. Plant diseases are a
normal part of nature and one of the ecological factors that helps keep the balance of living

plants and animals with one another. (Kelman, et. al, 2016)

A plant becomes diseased when it is continuously disturbed by some agents that

results in an abnormal physiological process that disrupts the plant’s normal structure,

growth, function, and other activities. When the normal state of a plant is interrupted, it may

elicit some characteristics of pathological conditions and symptoms. (Kelman, et. al, 2016)

Infectious plant diseases are caused by pathogenic organisms such as fungus,

bacterium, mycoplasma, virus, viroid, nematode, or parasites. (Kelman, et. al, 2016)

Fungi

Fungi, singular, fungus, is a group of eukaryotic, non-phototrophic organisms with

rigid cell walls, that includes mushrooms, molds and yeasts. Eukaryotic simply means that

fungal cells have a nucleus, like plant and animal cells, which distinguishes them from the

Bacteria and Archaea. Non-phototrophic means that they can't use light for energy because

they lack chlorophyll, distinguishing them from plants. The cell walls of fungi are unique in

that they contain large amounts of chitin, a structural component only found in the cell walls

of fungi. The chitin makes the cells walls rigid. (Hartsock, n. d.)

Fungi are subdivided on the basis of their life cycles, the presence or structure of their

fruiting body and the arrangement of and type of spores (reproductive or distributional cells)

they produce. The three major groups of fungi are the multicellular filamentous moulds,

macroscopic filamentous fungi that form large fruiting bodies. Sometimes the group is

referred to as ‘mushrooms’, but the mushroom is just the part of the fungus we see above
ground which is also known as the fruiting body and single celled microscopic yeasts.

(Microbiology Online, n.d.)

Mold

Fungi that exist as single cells are called yeasts. Some molds and yeasts cause disease

or food spoilage, others play an important role in biodegradation or in the production of

various foods, beverages, antibiotics and enzymes.

Mold growth requires moisture. The sources of moisture could be Washing, cooking,

air humidifiers, condensation or leaks from plumbing or from the outside. Poor ventilation

contributes to higher humidity levels and leads to condensation, which also allows mold

growth.

Molds release small “spores” into the air. So, when mold grows indoors, the number of

mold spores and fragments is usually higher indoors than it is outdoors. These spores are

small enough that people can actually inhale them deep into the lungs. Inhalation of spores

poses risk of developing respiratory problems. With the exception of winter months mold

spores are always present outdoors. (Mold Bacteria Facts, n. d.)

Fungal Plant Diseases

85% of plant diseases are caused by fungal or fungal like organisms that affects

different parts of the plant like the stems, leaves, roots, fruits and it can also affect the soil.

(Isleib, 2012) Fungi and fungal-like organisms (FLOs) cause more plant diseases than any

other group of plant pest with over 8,000 species shown to cause disease. (Boehm, Mitchell,

Williams, 2017)
 Disease fungi take their energy from the plants on which they live. They are

responsible for a great deal of damage and are characterized by wilting, scabs, moldy

coatings, rusts, blotches and rotted tissue. (Plant Natural, n.d.) Some signs that may appear in

plants like leaf rust, stem rust, sclerotinia (white mold) and powdery mildew means that there

are fungi in the plant. (Isleib 2012)

Fungi are agents of plant and human disease, producers of industrial and

pharmacological products, and decomposers. In addition, they also produce highly toxic,

hallucinogenic and carcinogenic chemicals that not only affected the lives of millions

historically, but continue to be problems today. (Boehm, Mitchell, Williams, 2017)

Cercospora Leaf Spot

This fungal disease affects the leaves and stems of eggplant; the fruit remains

unaffected. The first sign of this disease are small, circular yellow lesions on the foliage.

Eventually the lesions develop soft, gray fuzz at the center with a dark-brown ring around the

exterior. Sometimes concentric rings appear, hence the disease nickname “frog eyes.” In

severe infestations, defoliation can occur, and fruit size and production is greatly reduced.

(Walliser, 2014)

Alternaria Rot

Eggplant fruits affected by this fungus develop small, gray, water-soaked lesions,

often starting at the bottom end of the fruit or at a site of injury. Some lesions grow in size

and produce fuzzy-looking patches of spores. They can occur on both immature and mature

fruits. Discard infected fruits as soon as you notice them, and use an organic fungicide to

prevent the disease from spreading to other fruits. (Walliser, 2014)

Anthracnose Fruit Rot

Sometimes called ripe fruit rot, this fungal disease often remains symptomless until

the fruit is ripe and ready to harvest. The disease starts out as small, sunken, gooey spots that

will merge into larger blotches. When spore-set occurs a few days later, concentric circles

cover the lesions and orange or pink jelly-like patches of spores can be found covering the

lesions. Prevent fruit from touching the soil, and harvest before they become overly ripe.

Remove infected plants from the garden and throw away, and plant with disease-free seed.

(Walliser, 2014)

Fusarium Wilt

Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease symptom that often begin with drooping leaf

petioles. Sometimes a single branch may wilt before the rest of the plant. In eggplants, this

wilting often starts with the lower leaves, quickly progressing up the plant until the whole

thing collapses. The entire plant may be killed, often before it reaches maturity. If you cut the

main stem of an infected plant, you can see dark streaks running lengthwise through the stem.

You might see dark-brown, sunken cankers at the base of the plant. (Walliser, 2014)

Verticillium Wilt

Verticillium wilt is caused by a group of soil-borne pathogens that block the vascular

system of the plant, causing it to wilt. Symptoms progress slowly in eggplants, often starting

as a characteristic V-shaped lesion that develops on older leaf tips, eventually expanding to

cover the entire leaf. As the disease progresses, the plant becomes chlorotic and withers, and
it may die. Cutting through the main stem of the plant will reveal dark-brown discoloration

inside. (Walliser, 2014)

Phytophthora Blight

This fungal disease can strike either the root or the shoot system of the plant. If it

enters via the roots, they quickly turn brown, causing the plant to die. Stem and leaf

infections start as dark green, water-soaked lesions that turn dark brown and expand. As the

lesions age, they dry out. Infection can spread to the fruits, causing the same, distinct dark-

green lesions that appear on the stems and leaves. Often the fruit shrivels but doesn’t drop

from the plant. (Walliser, 2014)

Southern Blight

This fungal disease can attack both seedlings and mature plants. In seedlings, it causes

damping off at the soil level, while in mature plants, it can affect the entire plant, generating

dark-brown stem lesions at or just below the soil line. Infected foliage yellows and eventually

wilts. A distinct feature of southern blight is the fan-like webs of whitish fungal threads that

develop around the rotted stems. Small, brown, hard, mustard seed-like masses (sclerotia)

form in the “fans” of fungal threads. (Walliser, 2014)

Seaweed

Seaweed is the common name for countless species of marine plants and algae that

grow in the ocean as well as in rivers, lakes, and other water bodies. (NOAA, 2017)
 There are thought to be over 10,000 species of seaweed, reflecting its immense

diversity, both in flavour and nutritional properties. It has been used all over the world for

thousands of years, but has most notably been a prominent part of Asian diets for the longest

period of time, particularly in Japan, Korea and China. (Lewin, n. d.)

Seaweed extracts are known to enhance seed germination, improve plant growth, and

induce resistance to frost, fungal and insect attack and increase nutrient uptake from soil.

(Mohan et.al, 1994; Venkataraman, et. al, 1993) Seaweeds contain elaborated secondary

metabolites that play a significant role in the defence of the host against predators and

parasites. Sultana, et, al)

 Methodology

Research Design

The researcher prepared 2 set-ups for the experiment. Set-up A, which is the eggplant

treated with the antifungal seaweed spray and Set-up B, which is the eggplant that received

no special treatment.

Sources of Materials

The researcher got 300 grams of seaweed from a wet market located in Calamba,

Laguna Philippines. The two eggplants was bought at a plant store at Real, Calamba City,

Laguna. The fungi used was from a moist bread that the researcher prepared.

Instruments

The researcher used a spray bottle for the antifungal seaweed spray and a mortar and

pestle to get the extract of the seaweed. The researcher used two identical plant pots for the

two set-ups of the experiment. The researcher used a plastic with a zip lock and a bread to get

molds.

Procedure

First, the researcher washed the seaweed. Then, the researcher used mortar and pestle

to get the extract. The research transferred the seaweed extract to a spray bottle and kept it

refrigerated.
 The researcher cut the bread with fungi in half. The researcher then cut the bread into

smaller pieces and distributed it to the soil of the plants on the flower pots.

For the set-ups, the researcher used two identical plant pots. The researcher labeled

the set-ups; A as the experimental set-up and B as the controlled set-up. The researcher

placed them close to each other in a place with the same amount of wind, temperature and

sunlight. The researcher spray the antifungal seaweed spray in Set-up A only every each day.

The experiment took 7 days.

 Results and Discussion

The researcher conducted the experiment for 7 days. Each day, the researcher applied

the seaweed spray only to Set-up A. The table below shows the researcher’s observations

after 7 days of the experimentation.

Table 1. Results after 7 days of experimenting

Set-ups After 7 days

A. Eggplant w/ seaweed
Dead
treatment

B. Eggplant w/o seaweed Very small yellow spots on

treatment leaves

Based on the researcher’s observation, the seaweed extract was not effective. On Set-

up A, the leaves of the treated eggplant wilted. (See Figure 8 & 9, pg. 18) On Set-up B, very

small yellow spots were seen on the leaves of the eggplants which shows very light signs of

fungal diseases. (See Figure 10, 11 & 12, pg. 18)

 Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

Summary

The research was conducted to use the antifungal ability of seaweed to make

an alternative cure and fertilizer to the eggplants with fungal diseases. The study aimed to

answer if there the seaweed has a significant effect to the diseases of eggplant and to know if

there is a difference between the eggplant that received treatment and the eggplant without

treatment.

Summary of Findings

After 7 days, the researcher observed the eggplants. Set-up A, which is the

eggplant with treatment, wilted. (See Figure 8 & 9, pg. 18) While in Set-up B, which is the

plant that received no treatment, is still standing but shows very small signs of fungal disease

on its leaves. (See Figure 10, 11 & 12, pg. 18)

Conclusions

It is concluded that the antifungal seaweed spray had no significant effect. It is not

effective as a cure for the fungal diseases of eggplants and it makes the condition of the

eggplant worse.
Recommendations

It is recommended to use more plants for the experiment. It is also recommended to

use a fungi cultured by professionals for better and more accurate results. More seaweed is

also recommended and new extract to be used per day to prevent the product from having a

bad smell.

Source of Errors

The results of the experiment were not accurate because the experimental set-up died

and no specific test was used. The fungi only had minor effects to the plants so the researcher

was not sure if the seaweed really prevented its growth. The researcher did not use new

extract of seaweed per day so the product had a bad smell because it was stored in a

refrigerator for a long time.

 Appendices

Figure 2. 300 Grams of Seaweed Figure 3. Extracting the Seaweed using

Mortar and Pestle

Figure 4. The Bread with Fungi Figure 6. The Set-ups with small Figure 5. Putting the small pieces
in a Zip Lock Plastic Bag pieces of Bread with Fungi of Bread with Fungi into the Set-ups
 Figure 7. Spraying the Seaweed Extract to Set-up A Figure 8. Set-up A and Set-up B

Figure 9. Set-up A after 7 days Figure 10. Leaves of Set-up A after 7 days

Figure 11.Set-up B after 7 days Figure 12. Leaves of Set-up B Figure 13. Leaves of Set-up B
after 7 days after 7 days
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