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INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Philippines has a rich reserve of wild and semi-wild food plants most of which could

be found in the forest or in grassland ecosystems. Many indigenous groups as well as a

number of upland people often depend on these wild food plants for their subsistence. Food

bearing plants offer great potential in augmenting scarce food supply, particularly in remote

and upland communities where these plant species abound. They could also provide

additional source of income to many upland and forest dwellers (DENR).

“Pako” (Athyrium esculentum) is a terrestrial fern widely distributed in the

Philippines and usually found on gravel bars and banks of streams. These ferns are edible

and can be eaten either raw or cooked in different parts of the world due to their nutritive

values. Aside from its health benefits, several reports have been presented by earlier

researchers that the vegetables provide a good source of remedy against several diseases.

Despite of the significant medicinal and health benefits of this edible fern, very little

interest has been shown in assessing the cultivation potential and notably neglected as a

result of inadequate research and agricultural development. Current research and

agricultural development agenda still appear to focus on the popular and commonly used

food crops, vegetables and fruits; ignoring minor and underutilized plant species such the

edible fern.
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Statement of the Problem

Research on propagation and cultivation prospects of “pako” is essential especially

considering the emerging threats from global warming and climate change – as the species

prefers wet/shady locations along springs, which are often susceptible to both global

warming and environmental degradation.

Objectives of the Study

The study aims to determine the cultivation potential of “Pako” (Athyrium

esculentum) in vertical farming.

Specifically, it will aim to:

1. determine the effect of different growing substrates on the growth and

development of A. esculentum;

2. determine the optimum frequent circulation of water in the system;

3. determine suitable shading effect on the growth and development of A.

esculentum and;

4. perform simple cost analysis of the system.

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Significance of the Study

Wild vegetables often play an important role in rural communities in terms of

nutrition and food security but their potential for cultivation remains largely unexplored.

The cultivation of wild food plants as alternative agricultural crops can help enhance the

lives of many Filipinos (DENR).

At present, the sustainable harvesting and simultaneous habitat conservation of D.

esculentum may boost the cash income of marginal people and their food security with this

nutritive source, especially in rural areas.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will establish indoor recirculating aquaponic system for the growth out

production of genetically male red nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) integrated with bell

pepper (Capsicum annuum). Eighteen hours photoperiod (El-Sayed & Kawanna, 2004) at

different light spectra of red, blue and white will be the source of lighting for the aquaculture

tank system inside the controlled-environment structure. Grow lights will be the source of

light for media-based hydroponic system. Flow rate range of 0.8 to 8 liters per min will be

employed. Demand type feeder will be used to supply feeds for tilapia.
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Time and Place of the Study

The study will be conducted at the abandoned building of the College of

Engineering, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija,

Philippines. The duration of the study will be from August to December, 2019.

REVIEW OF LITERATURES

METHODOLOGY

Research Conceptualization

Figure 3. Conceptual framework of the study.

Materials and Equipment

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Growth and Yield of Bell Pepper

Plant data such as plant height, size and number of leaves and fruits will be recorded

every 7 days. After harvest, fruits will be weighed using a digital weighing scale; and edible

quality of bell pepper will be obtained thru taste test.

Length and width of the leaves and plant height will be measured using a ruler. Plant

height is from the surface of the media bed to the highest point of the plant.

LITERATURE CITED
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Appendix Table 3. Schedule of Activities for the conduct of the study entitled “Light Spectra for
Indoor Recirculating Aquaponic System”

Activities 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4
1. Presentation and
Approval of
Research
Proposal
2. Procurement of
Materials

3. Construction and
Pre-trial

4. Experimentation
and Data
Gathering
5. Data Analysis

6. Writing of
Manuscript

7. Presentation and
Approval of
Manuscript
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