Utilization of sugarcane bagasse mulch in tomato (Lecopersicon lecopersicum (L) Karsten) production

Abstract

Three sets of studies (greenhouse test, laboratory and field experiments) were conducted to find out how to maximize the utilization of sugarcane bagasse-mulch in tomato production using the cultivar marikit.

The greenhouse tests consisted of two consecutive plantings on earthen pots 16-cm in diameter. The germination and seedling studies were done in the laboratory using petri dishes, seed boxes, and sugarcane bagasse of different ages. The initial greenhouse study showed that the 4-month old bagasse had unfavorable effects on the growth of transplanted tomato especially when applied 15 cm thick. The field experiment was done at Barangay Lagundi, Canlubang, Laguna in an area previously cropped to sugarcane for several years.