PJB-2024-30
OPTIMUM FERTILIZER REQUIREMENT IN AMPLIFYING GROWTH AND FRUIT QUALITY OF GAC PLANTS (Momordica cochinchinensis).
Azimah Hamidon
Abstract
Gac is widely recognized and in high demand as a nutritional product due to its rich carotenoid content, particularly lycopene and beta-carotene. However, information regarding the cultivation and optimal fertilizer requirements for Momordica species, including gac, is limited. This study aims to determine the most effective fertilizer dosages to enhance gac growth and maximize fruit quality including carotenoid content. Four different combinations of single-fertilizer rates (urea, triple superphosphate, and muriate of potash) were tested (Treatment 1 to 4). Overall, during the growth phase, all gac plants exhibited increased growth parameters. Treatment 1 and 4 displayed notably faster and higher vine length growth compared to Treatment 2 and 3, while Treatment 2 exhibited delayed growth. Treatment 2 also resulted in the lowest branch number compared to other treatments, while Treatment 4 showed the highest leaf count among the different fertilizer treatments. There were no significant differences observed in gac fruit quality attributes (average fruit weight, total fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, and aril weight) across different fertilizer combination treatments. However, there were significant variations in the number of gac fruits per plant, with treatment 4 showing a 38.8% increase compared to treatment 2 but similar to treatments 1 and 3. Lycopene analysis revealed that Treatment 1 had significantly higher levels compared to all other fertilizer rates. Conversely, β-carotene levels in Treatments 1, 2, and 3 were comparable, measuring 312.88 mg/g FW, 286.34 mg/g FW, and 258.40 mg/g FW, respectively. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into optimizing gac cultivation through effective fertilizer dosages.
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