Darwin A Basquial
Benguet State University, Philippines
Title: Protected cultivation improves growth of ‘Lollo Rossa’ lettuce grown in chilling conditions in Benguet, Philippines
Biography
Biography: Darwin A Basquial
Abstract
A study was conducted in two sites (Paoay, Atok and Balili, La Trinidad) in Benguet Province, Philippines to investigate the growth and development of lettuce variety ‘Lollo Rosso' through vegetative, biomass and yield, physiological and phytochemical parameters using low tunnel and mulch [black Polyethylene Plastic (PEP), alnus leaves and white PEP) as mitigation strategies against cold stress. Th e average temperature in Atok and La Trinidad was 15 and 21 ºC, respectively. In Atok, andap or frost was experienced on February 15 and 16, 2017 with air temperature of 1.8 and 1.5 ºC, respectively. Another andap occurred on March 8 and 19, 2017 having an ambient temperature of 3.3 and 3.9 ºC, respectively. Performance of lettuce
was better with the use of low tunnel compared to those grown without. Shoot length, root and shoot fresh weight, yield, shoot dry weight and total phenolic content of lettuce was increased with the use of plastic mulch. However, the use of alnus mulch against chilling stress was ineff ective. In general, white PEP was advantageous when used in Atok, while black PEP was more beneficial when used in La Trinidad. In terms of combination eff ect, shoot fresh weight, yield, and root dry weight was highest in lettuce grown in Atok under white PEP and low tunnel. Lettuce grown in La Trinidad had the highest root and shoots dry weight and yield under black PEP and low tunnel.