Performance of malatayum leaves dye properties on silk fabric extracted at different plant terminals and months after transplanting

The study was conducted to determine which plant terminals of malatayum leaves and the best months after transplanting (MAT) in harvesting the leaves for dye extract that give the best color effect for silk fabric. The study was conducted at the ASIST [Abra State Inst. of Science and Technology, Lagangilang, Abra, Philippines] Research Laboratory from Januray 2009 to April 2010. Three Plant Terminals (D) as Factor A:D1- mixture of top and base leaves (leaves harvested 15 cm from the top), D2- top leaves (leaves harvested 7.5 cm from the top) and D3-base leaves (half of those leaves harvested 15 cm using the lower portion) and factor B:A1- 4 months after transplanting, A2- 5 months after transplanting A3- 6 months after transplanting, A4- 7 months after transplanting and A5- 8 months after transplanting. Base on the findings, different colors were obtained. The best colors identified were indigo (Web), Persian Indigo, Liver, Medium purple color. These were the best color identified because these were the nearest colors of indigo that malatayum plants yielded. Indigo (Web) color was obtained from the mixture of top and base leaves extract of malatayum harvested at 5 months after transplanting when dyed to silk fabric. The five months after transplanting was the peak of blooming stage of the malatayum plants which contributed to the color yielded. Liver color was identified from the base leaves extract harvested at 5 months after transplanting. Persian indigo (Dark blue) was obtained from top leaves extract harvested at 8 months after transplanting when dyed to silk fabric. This may be due to some matured pods that were included that added the color. This was also the ripening stage and pods are also sources of color. Indigo (Web), Persian Indigo and liver color were the best color identified for silk fabric using harvested leaves at different months after planting.