Introduction

Pechay, Bok Choy,(Brassica rapa apa L.) belongs to the Brassiceae Family and is one
of the most famous vegetables in the Philippines. It is also known to be one of the
oldest green vegetables in Asia. Therefore, it plays an important role in the Philippine
economy and the nutrition of the Filipino people. Pechay is mainly used for its young,
immature, but fully expanded leaves. The juicy petiole is usually the first choice. It is
used as a main ingredient in soups and stir-fries. In Chinese cuisine, its green petioles
and leaves are also used as decoration, (South East Asian Institute of Technology Inc.
2019).
In the Philippines, it is popularly known as Pechay or Petsay. It was one of the most
often used vegetable in many Filipino dishes. Petsay is added to Filipino stews such as
nilagang baka (boiled beef) or bulalo (boiled beef shank). People who choose to eat it
raw can enjoy it tossed in a salad mixed with other greens.The optimum temperatures
for growth and development of pechay are from 18– 20 °C. Pechay thrives in well-
drained, moisture-retentive, loamy soils well supplied with organic matter. It does not
grow well in highly acidic soil. The ideal soil pH ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 and it should not
be allowed to drop below 4.5. Pechay can be grown in any type of soil. The plants
become more healthy to light, sandy-loam and well-drained soil with pH level of 5-4-6.7.
Pechay needs climate with limited rainy season and short dry season not to exceed for
2 months, (Palawan State University, 2018).
Further, Pechay is an annual biennial herb. Its leaves are smooth, 30 cm long, broad at
the tip narrowing gradually at the base extending downward to the upper end of its
elongated, thick and whitish stalks. The leaves are erect, flowers are pale yellow. In
selecting an ideal sites, consider the following: good water supply near the area, the
fertility of the soil, good drainage system during wet season, windbreak and shade are
available to prevent direct exposure to sunlight, favorable climate for growth, and
sufficient protection against farm animals. It can be grown by seeds. For land
preparation, plow the field thoroughly. Harrow it lengthwise and crosswise to make the
soil loosen, friable and soft. To keep the soil fertile in the field, mix manure, compost,
organic matter and soil before plowing it.
Furthermore, transplant the seedling anytime of the day. It is better to do the
transplanting in the late afternoon to reduce stress of transplanting. The age of the
seedling before transplanting should be 9-12 days old. Sow thinly the seeds to shallow
furrows. Cover the soil gently pressing them. This is to prevent seed exposure during
watering. Transplanting of seedlings is late in the afternoon or morning if it’s cloudy.
Digging of planting holes must be equal to the depth of the seedling tray and add
fertilizer to the hole and mix it in so that raw fertilizer will not touch the seedling roots,
and gently put seedlings in the hole. Gather the soil around the seedlings and tamp
gently to keep them secure and even with the soil surface. Water immediately to
establish good root-soil contact. Drench around the plants with fungicide as needed.
Maintain the field free of weeds, especially in the seedling stage of the crop. If weed
growth occurs, this can be eradicated by hand weeding and/or application of herbicide.
Also apply mulching materials from farm wastes or plastic mulch to suppress weed
growth and to conserve moisture in the soil. In harvesting, harvest as early as three
weeks after planting or between 30–40 days after sowing. Harvest in the afternoon to
minimize postharvest losses. Wash harvested plants, trim unwanted leaves. Sort
harvested plants according to size and pack the harvested plants in strong rigid
containers with holes at the sides to allow aeration. In postharvest handling, Pechay is
very susceptible to deterioration, so, upon harvesting follow these procedures: harvest
in the cooler part of the day – early morning or late afternoon, store the harvested it in a
cool place and keep away from the sun as soon as possible after harvest, remove any
damaged, infested and loosed leaves as it affects the freshness of the produce, the
heads into size grades, keep a premium grade which is the correct size for your market,
grade into small, medium and large, and pack separately, packed it carefully in
perforated cartons and plastic crates if possible, in a way that will minimize damage and
maintain the freshness. Storage could reduce shelf life and quality, and then, send it to
market as soon as possible after harvesting.
Furthermore, the most important health benefits of pechay are vitamins and minerals. It
also contains calcium for stronger bones; phosphorus for bone formation, digestion,
excretion and hormonal balance; potassium for muscle control, blood pressure
regulation and hypertension prevention; iron which carries oxygen in the blood,
magnesium for body detoxification, zinc for improving the immune system against
infection and even cancer, vitamin A for promoting growth, reproduction and
improvement of vision; vitamin C for glowing skin and vitamin B-6 folate for better
functioning heart, muscle and body nervous system. The raw leaves has nutritional
value of energy 20 kcal/kg; Carbohydrates is 3.2g., dietary fiber 1.2., Fat 0.2 g., protein
1.2 g., vitamin C 27 mg and sodium 9 mg per 100 grams, (South East Asian Institute of
Technology Inc. 2019).
Moreover, common pest in pechay are the diamond back moth, caterpillars, flea beetle,
silver leaf whitefly and aphids. And the possible diseases are white leaf spot, white
blister, downy mildew, alternaria leaf spots, damping-off, black leg, phoma leaf spot,
clubroot, root rot, mosaic virus, bacterial leaf spots, bacterial soft rot and black rot.
Damping-off, soft rot and clubroot are the most important diseases of pechay, while
diamondback month and aphids are the major insect pests. Spraying hot pepper extract
can control these pests. When seedlings begin to wilt, reduce watering immediately.
Uproot and burn disease-infected plants to prevent spread of diseases. Cultivation is
also necessary to minimize weeds, (South East Asian Institute of Technology Inc. 2019).
Overall, pechay is a highly nutritious vegetable that offers a range of health benefits. It
is easy to cook and can be used in a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to
any diet.
Objectives:
• To observe different insect pests and diseases of the crop (pechay).
• To observe the growth and yield of the specific crop (pechay).

Materials and Methods

Materials used:
- Knives
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Boots
- Shovel
- Dipper
- Fertilizer
- Insecticide
- Spraying material

Experimental Site and Land Preparation

This study was conducted at Purok Fortune, Lucod, Baganga, Davao Oriental, an open
field used temporarily as experimental area of the Agriculture Students of Davao
Oriental State University Baganga External Campus. The area used for this study was
measured 2m×4m and stands 5inch high, the area was firstly full of weeds it was then
cleaned by the agriculture students.
Preparation of Seedlings
Seeds of pechay were sown in a seedling tray (egg tray) with a sterilized soil mixture of
garden soil and compost soil, then the seedling tray were placed in a nursery. One week
before transplanting, seedlings had grown.
Transplanting and Fertilizer Application
At two to three leaf stage( about one week old) seedlings were transplanted into the
prepared area, the distance between seedlings was 15cm, the area was planted a total
of 45 stalk seedlings. Basal application of complete fertilizer (14-14-14) was done 2
weeks after transplant.
Water and Weed Management
The plants were watered 4 times a week, usually in the morning through drip irrigation.
Weeds were removed manually every two-four times a week to prevent competition
from the plant. Spot weeding were performed due to scanty weed growth.

Results and Discussion

Three weeks after the seedlings were transplanted it was observed that there were
various insect pest that attacked the plants, insect pests like grasshoppers, cutworms,
and beetles were first observed. After a couple days the number of insect pests has
increased, it was then decided to put/spray pesticides to eliminate the insect pests, the
application of the pesticide was only performed once in the whole process of growing
the pechay plant. The process of pesticide application was crucial for the reason that
the person to apply the pesticide must be careful not to be contaminated with the
pesticide as it was harmful/toxic to humankind. After the application of pesticides it was
observed that the number of pest were eliminated, further it was observed that the
affected plants are not severed and still growing healthy. Further, it was also observed
that one of the pechay plant was wilted maybe due to the hot climate or the effect of
insect pest.
The following were Pests Management on Pechay by ERLINDA F. JIMENEZ et. al.,
2009
1. Damping –off (Rhizoctonia ) and Wirestem (Pythium). Pre-emergence damping
off occurs when seeds are attacked and decay, as well as when plants
germinate, but fail to emerge. Post-emergence damping off occurs when the
stem of 2 to 5 cm tall plants are attacked. A water soaked area completely
encircles the stem near the soil line and the seedling wilts and topples over.
Wirestem results from an extension of the damping off process, but new
infections may occur on plants 10-15 cm tall. The stem above and below the soil
line darkens, and the outer cortex tissue decays and sloughs off in sharply
defined area encircling the stem. The stem is thin and wiry at the lesion but
remains erect. The plant may survive, but will perform poorly.
Management
a. Sterilized soil or soil that has not previously had brassicas for several years
should be used.
b. Seeds should be hot water treated and also treated with a suitable fungicide.
c. Plant density should permit adequate light and air penetration.
 d. Factors such as deep planting, reduced seed vigor and excessively cold, hot,
moist or saline soils that delay seed emergence should be avoided.
e. Field rotation with non-brassica crops should be practiced for at least three
years.
f. Avoid mounding of soil onto lower leaves when cultivating.

2. Bacterial softrot. Leaves turn yellow (chlorotic) beginning at margins and

spreading inwards. Veins within area turn black. Infection enters main stem
turning the inside black. Plants either die or are dwarfed when young, become
defoliated if more mature.
Management.
Plant resistant varieties and rotate crops from year to year.
3. Clubroot(PlasmodiophorabrassicaeWor.). Clubroot is a soil borne disease which
affects cauliflower. Early infections are difficult to detect as symptoms begin
underground. Symptoms include small to large swellings and other
malformations of the roots. As a result of these swellings, water and nutrient flow
are restricted within the plant, which causes the above ground parts to wilt, turn
color and look stunted. Wilting is most common on warm sunny days; plants may
show little wilting early in the morning or late at night. The clubroot fungus enters
the plant through the many fine hairs on the roots. The extent of the disease is
affected by many factors. Moist, cool soils usually produce more diseased plants
than dry, warm soil. The disease also thrives best in acid soils; that is when the
pH is below 7. Once land becomes infested with this disease, it will remain so for
several years. When clubbed plants rot and break down, the fungus spores are
released into the soil, where they may live for 10-20 years, ready to infect any
Cole crop subsequently planted. Since the fungus spores are in the soil,
movement of the soil by any means (boots, tools, wheels or wind and water, etc.)
also spread the disease.
Management
a. Isolate (if possible) or avoid the use of infested fields for brassica crops for
about seven years. The disease affects only the brassica crops so any
other crop may be planted as long as brassica type weeds are not
present.
b. Do not apply clubroot infested manure on land to be use to grow
brassicas. Cattle fed infected plant material can pass the fungus spores in
manure, therefore it is best to put contaminated manure back on the field
 that contained the infected roots, thus preventing the spread of the
disease to other fields.
c. Rotate crops and fields as a preventative measure before club root
occurs. Allow at least three years between growing susceptible crops.
d. Clean and disinfect all equipment used on infested land before using on a
non-contaminated field.
e. Control susceptible weeds whenever possible.
f. Apply lime to raise the pH of the soil to at least 7.2. Clubroot seems to
thrive best in moist, acid soils, therefore wet, poorly drained land should
be avoided or drainage improved.
g. Use clubroot free transplants.

4. Flea beetles(Phyllotretaspp.). Flea beetles are small shiny black beetles, about 2
mm in length. They are very active early in the growing season, especially during
periods of dry sunny weather. Flea beetles can seriously damage seedlings and
transplants, and to alesser extent larger plants, by chewing small pinholes
through the leaves. There is one generation per year. The larvae live in the soil
and feed on roots.
Management
a. Biological control options for flea beetle include using a braconid wasp that will
parasitize and kill adult flea beetles, and using nematodes that attack the larvae.
b. Trap crops such radishes or collards can be used.
c. Living mulches or polycultures are other possibilities.
d. Covering young seedlings with floating row cover to prevent the insects from
attacking the plants is another option.
e. Using white or yellow sticky traps every 4.5 – 9 m.
f. Making sure to destroy plant debris.
g. If using chemical controls, scout plants frequently and treat when the threshold
has been reached. One flea beetle per plant (up to the sixth leaf stage) is the
threshold number. After the 6 leaf stage, feeding will not interfere with plant
growth.

5. Diamondback moth (Plutellaxylostella)Damage/Symptom.The Diamondback

Moth is much smaller than the previous insects. Three to six generations of 1.1
cm yellow-green larvae may develop each year. The larvae squirm actively when
disturbed and produce many small holes on the host plant. Adult moths migrate
in throughout the growing season. There is therefore often an overlap in
generations, and all stages may be present at one time.
Management
 a. There are many natural enemies that will help control these pests in fields.
Ground beetles, spiders, damsel bugs, minute pirate bugs, assassin bugs,
big eyed bugs, and lacewing larvae will all attack the caterpillars.
b. There are also some commercially available parasitic wasps that sting and
parasitize eggs and larvae of caterpillars; these include
Trichogrammaspp., Copidosomaspp., Apantelesspp., Diadegmaspp., and
Hyposoterspp.
c. Cultural controls include pheromone emitters to disrupt mating.
d. Evening overhead sprinkler irrigation.
e. Placement of floating row covers over young crops to exclude egg-laying
females.
f. If using chemical controls, scout plants frequently and treat when the
threshold level has been reached. For broccoli, the threshold guidelines
are 20-30% before heading and 5-10% after heading.

6. Aphids (Brevicorynebrassicae). The cabbage aphid, is a major pest of Cole crops

worldwide. Aphids are small, soft bodied, slow moving insects. A colony consists
of winged and wingless adults and various sizes of nymphs. Aphids may be
black, yellow or pink, but mostly are various shades of green. They are often
found in large colonies on the undersurface of leaves; however, aphids will feed
on heads, flower stalks as well as leaves, resulting in unmarketable produce.
Aphids feed by piercing plants and sucking out plant sap, resulting in distorted
plant parts and a slowing of plant growth. The plants may be covered by a sticky
substance, called honey dew, which is excreted by the aphids.
Management
a. There are many natural enemies that will feed on aphids, thus helping to reduce
the populations of this pest in the field. Natural enemies that produce larvae
which will feed on aphids include syrphid flies, lacewings and the predaceous
midge. Adults and larvae of minute pirate bugs, big eyed bugs, lady beetles,
soldier beetles and parasitic wasps like Diaeretiellarapaewill also consume
aphids.
b. Cultural controls include using high pressure sprinkler irrigation to knock the
insects off of plants, as well as using living mulch such as clover interplanted with
the crop.
c. If using chemical controls, check plants frequently and treat when damage is first
observed.

Harvesting
The pechay plant was totally harvested manually, the amount of pechay harvested in
the first harvest goes up to 2.50 kg with a total of 12 pechay plants stalks, the harvested
plants were observed to have a small damages on its leaves caused by the cutworms
15% - 25% of the leaves were observed to be affected each stalk. On the second
harvest, the harvested pechay goes up to 3.20 kg with a total of 17 pechay plant stalks,
it is also observed that the leaves of the harvested plants have a small holes just like in
the first harvest caused by the grasshoppers and cutworms.

Documentations
Conclusion and Recommendations
This study has shown that the pechay plant(Brassica rapa L.) was very much
susceptible to various insect pests and diseases which means that this plant needed a
careful observation and daily investigation to prevent and take care of insect pests and
diseases and reach the desired production. The overall production in this study was
marked satisfactory as the researchers/students had harvested more from the expected
harvest quantity although the quality was not that good. As pechay plant was

susceptible to insect pests and diseases we recommend to always observe the plant
and take precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of the plant, we also
recommend to water the plant daily early in the morning or late in the afternoon as this
plant really need water daily due to hot weather conditions and for supplementary
needs. We would also recommend to always eliminate the weeds observed from the
plants to prevent competition of nutrients and other problems, further, we also
recommend to put a complete basal fertilizer (14-14-14) to enhance the quality soil as
well as the plant. Furthermore, as for the experimental site or land we recommend that
the site must be near to the residence of the researchers as it is expensive to travel a
long way to go to the experimental site just to water the plant and observe for pest and
diseases, we also recommend that the site to have its own water sources for the
researchers to irrigate the plants properly without being stressed to find water for
irrigation.
Lastly, in harvesting the plant we recommend to harvest it early in the morning or late in
the afternoon to minimize postharvest looses. Wash the harvested pechay plants after
trimming to maintain the fresh quality produce for market or just for home consumption.
Reference
Palawan State University, 2018, CHAPTER II.docx – Chapter II THEORETICAL ,
CROPSCIEN, https://www.coursehero.com/file/35931453/CHAPTER-IIdocx/
South East Asian Institute of Technology Inc., 2019, Chapter I – IV – Sample only,
BSAgriculture(ACT131),https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/south-east-asian-
institute-of-technology-inc/bs-agriculture/3-chapter-i-iv-sample-only/45128149?
origin=home-recent-1
ERLINDA F. JIMENEZ et. Al., 2009, Pechay Production Guide, 1641885337Pechay
Production.pdf