The Implementation of Experiments on the Effect of Apical Bud Pruning on the Growth of the Axillary Buds of Tahun Spinach (Amarantus hybridus L.) in Horticultural Courses

Abstract

Dewa Nyoman Oka, Herry Maurits Sumampouw, Ida Bagus Putu Arnyana

This study was carried out to enlighten students about the effects of apical bud pruning on the growth of axillary buds, as well as determine if this learning model can be implemented in the learning process for horticulture courses in IKIP Saraswati. A fully randomised design method was used to evaluate the effect of apical bud pruning on the growth of axillary buds in spinach plants. The samples were assigned to the following groups: the first group (J0) served as the control for the experiment while the experimental groups had varying lengths of pruned apical buds (J1- 3cm, J2- 6cm, J3-9cm and J4- 12 cm). Each test was replicated four times to reduce variability in the experimental results. The findings of the study showed that the pruning of apical buds led to an increase in the formation of leaves and the growth of axillary buds. Although the numbers of axillary buds in spinach plants from each treatment group were significantly different, the most notable disparity was observed in J1 plants with an average axillary bud growth of 66. The use of this experiment-based learning approach enhanced the students’ ability to use their cognitive, social, psychomotor, and problem-solving skills in the acquisition of knowledge, as well as the analysis and interpretation of data. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the practical experiment on the effect of apical bud pruning on axillary bud growth should be implemented in the learning process for horticulture courses in IKIP Saraswati. Despite the benefits of the experimental based learning approach, there are certain limitations to its successful implementation in the education system. Some of these include the integration of the experimental learning method to the existing curriculum for horticulture courses, the need to develop new assessment methods in order to evaluate the efficacy of this method, and the insufficient support of teachers and administrators at different tiers of government. This paper also provides recommendations on effective ways to address these challenges and maximize the benefits provided by the experimental based learning methods in the education system.