Caffeine as Growth Enhancer on Tomato (Solanum lycopersium)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Pesticides and fertilizers are widely used for cultivation and gardening, but they contain potentially toxic chemicals which can be harmful when ingested. The researcher focused on the study of caffeine after realizing its potential. It has been discovered that caffeine releases certain chemical that is essential in plant growth. This study was done to prove that adding caffeine will help in the cultivation of tomatoes. The researchers made use of ingredients and materials which are readily available and can be found in the locality.

METHODS

The researchers used 3 types of caffeine-containing beverages: left over brewed-coffees, fresh coffee grounds and instant coffee or most commonly known as 3in1. All those three inhabited specific amounts of chemical component that helps in the growth of tomatoes. Four (4) pots were prepared by the researcher. They contain the same amount of soil for cultivation. The tomato seeds were planted on each pot naming Plant A, Plant B, Plant C, and Plant D, respectively. Proper and exact amount of water and exposure to sunlight were given to eachplant for five(5)days. After five days of cultivation, the tomato seeds started to sprout.

RESULTS

All the sprouts still received the same amount of water and exposure to sunlight. However, Plant B was given a ½ cup of brewed coffee, Plant C with 10 grams of coffee grounds and lastly, Plant D with a ½ cup of instant coffee. After conducting the experiment, it shows that caffeine in form of coffee ground will give the best result and there will be no eminent change in color and texture of the tomatoes.

DISCUSSIONS

If caffeine is properly and carefully used, it can increase the growth of tomatoes. To achieve the desired results, the right amount of caffeine should be used Choosing and continuously discovering the most effective and inexpensive materials on cultivating plants are important. The findings of this study indicate that with the help of caffeine, the growth of tomatoes (SolanumLycopersicum) will hasten and it may be a potential solution to a lot of problems related to cultivating plants.