Comparative Effects of Chayote (Sechium edule) Seed Protein Hydrolysate on Radish (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus) Under Optimal and Simulated Dry Spell Conditions

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

• MA RHIAN BEGNAEN, University of BaguioFollow
• LEIGH DIZON, University of BaguioFollow
• ARCIE MIRANDA, University of BaguioFollow
• ABEGAIL OFO-OB, University of BaguioFollow
• RHIANNE SACPA, University of BaguioFollow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Sustainability, Environment, and Energy (SEE)

School Name

University of Baguio Science High School

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Palcongan, Abegail B.

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

Online - https://zoom.us/j/92594857524 Meeting ID: 925 9485 7524 | Passcode: research

Abstract/Executive Summary

Abstract: This study investigated the comparative effects of Chayote (Sechium edule) seed-derived protein hydrolysate as a biostimulant foliar spray on radish (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus) under optimal and dry spell conditions, to address increasing climate-related drought stress, involving agriculture. Specifically, it aimed to determine its effects on growth and physiological parameters, and to compare the stress tolerance of treated and untreated radish. The researchers utilized an experimental research design, using six treatment groups with two watering regimes (optimal watering and simulated dry spell), including a 5% chayote protein hydrolysate, a commercial seaweed extract as positive control, and distilled water as negative control. Growth parameters such as root length. shoot length, and fresh weight, as well as physiological performance including relative chlorophyll content, relative water content, and proline content, were evaluated using descriptive statistics and inferential tests (ANOVA and post hoc tests), revealing that under optimal watering conditions, the 5% chayote foliar spray significantly increased shoot growth and biomass while simultaneously stunting root development. Moreover, the chayote treatment failed to protect the plants under simulated dry spell conditions where treated plants exhibited heightened physiological stress such as dehydration, chlorophyll degradation, and increased proline accumulation. In contrast, the seaweed extract promoted adaptive root growth and maintained plant hydration regardless of watering conditions. The study concluded that while chayote seed protein hydrolysate is effective for above-ground biomass under optimal watering conditions, it does not enhance drought tolerance, signifying its potential as a growth enhancer rather than a stress-mitigating biostimulant.

Keywords

chayote; radish; protein hydrolysate; optimal; dry spell

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes