Effect of Varying Levels and Brewing Durations of Vermitea on the Performance of Rice and Pest Occurrence

Abstract

Continuous use of inorganic fertilizer and pesticides in rice production has led to increased cost of farm inputs, reduction in yield, and environmental threats. For this reason, the varying levels of vermitea and different brewing durations were tested to 1.) determine the effect on the growth and yield performance of rice; 2.) determine the effect on the occurrence of pests and their natural enemies in rice; 3.) compare the performance of rice in different growing seasons, and 4.) perform cost and return analysis of rice production. The study was laid out in a 3 x 3 factorial in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times with concentration levels as Factor A and brewing duration as Factor B. Treatments were applied by foliar method at weekly intervals. Growth and yield data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Latin Square Design (LSD) Tests while cost and return were determined in terms of return on investment (ROI). Results revealed that applying vermitea at a 20 ml level of concentration gave the highest grain yield (3.85 tons/ha) and the highest number of natural enemy insects (34.4). Brewing for 72 and 48 hours yielded the most filled grains (70.00% & 68.9%, respectively) and the highest grain yield (3.62 ton/ha & 3.50 ton/ha, respectively). Return on Investment is highest from the treatment of 20 ml vermitea both in wet (155.12%/ha) and dry season (266.23%/ha). Brewing duration of 72 hours gave the highest ROI with 136.08%/ha during the wet season and 246.67%/ha during the dry season. Dry season trials showed better growth and yield performance, lower incidence of insect pests and their natural enemies to rice, and higher economic returns compared to the wet season. This work demonstrates that brewed vermitea is a potential attractant of beneficial insects and fertilizer for rice, which is more effective when administered in the dry season.