Monday, November 14, 2016

PRDP Subproject Advances Coffee Farmers’ Livelihood And Production Method


Kalinga coffee farmers are now more impelled in their production as they await the release of funding assistance from the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP).

The fund amounting to P14.8 million is intended for the Kalinga Integrated Coffee Processing and Marketing Enterprise project.

The funding assistance from DA is expected to ultimately improve the production of coffee beans in the highlands which has been undergoing a few tweaks under the supervision of PRDP.

According to Maximo Wallis, chair of Dupligan Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (DUFAMCO)—the lead proponent group of the subproject, coffee trees usually share soil nutrients with removing unwanted vegetation thriving under them.
But, after attending several trainings by the PRDP, co-op members became conscious of this drawback.

“Experts from the PRDP suggested we totally uproot weeds and even the coffee seedlings from dropped ripe berries because it will compete with the soil nutrients intended for the productive trees,” Wallis explained.

With funding support from DA and improved production methods, the proponent is expecting better buying price.

According to Wallis, coffee farmers in the province currently sell their dry processed unsorted green coffee (the industry name for raw, unroasted coffee) to local buyers or traders who dictate the price. Traders in Tabuk for instance buy a kilo of green coffee from farmers at P80.00 only.

Under the proposed enterprise, green coffee beans will be sold by farmers to the cooperative per kilo at P83.00, P86.85, and P92.50 for dried, modified and wet method respectively.

Wet-processed coffee is a relatively new method which removes the four layers around the bean resulting to a fruitier flavor.

The process involves submerging the berries in water. Once a berry floats, it is rejected. It is then sorted and cleaned, using a machine to remove the pulp, and then dried.
The drying process is simpler which involves naturally drying the cherries while the beans and all its layers are still intact. For this, the cherries need to be evenly dried for four weeks.

After processing it may be sold to the trading center at P93.00 (dried) P105.00 (modified) and P115 (wet) per kilo. Expected institutional wholesale buyers include the Philippine Coffee Board, Philippine Coffee Alliance, Holsum Food Products and Nestlé.
To date, members can produce 450 metric tons of fresh beans annually, but according to Wallis, the funding will definitely encourage the members to improve the quality and volume of production.

He added that several of his members are already planting seedlings to increase the volume of production.

“Our members get seedlings from the provincial offices of DA and Department of Environment and Natural Resources,” Wallis said, adding that majority of his 626 members have their own coffee plantations now.

The coffee enterprise will be managed as a cooperative where dividends and patronage refunds will be distributed. Part of the expected fund will be used to construct a trading post, while bulk of the budget will be used to finance the cost of production of their regular and affiliate members.

Once in full throttle, the enterprise is expected to help spur the coffee production as a major economic activity in the province.

According to Provincial Agriculturist Domingo Bakilan, Kalinga was considered a top producer of coffee in the country from the 1970s to the 1980s. Thru the years, it was overtaken by other provinces and currently ranks seventh nationwide.

Bakilan, who is also the Provincial Project Management and Implementation Unit Head of PRDP, added that coffee shops in the province have started with the growing popularity of coffee drinking even among the younger generation.

“This opens up more opportunity and will definitely help generate income for the local farmers,” he said. 

Source: http://www.da.gov.ph/index.php/media-resources/news-release/2016-news-release/8676-prdp-subproject-advances-coffee-farmers-livelihood-and-production-method





Monday, November 14, 2016 , ,

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Alleviating the lives of the community, By producing Safe and Quality food Sustainably



12 Barangays in the City of Mabalacat, Pampanga was provided by these High-Class Greenhouses, Nurseries and Low-Tunnel Greenhouses with NAANDANJAIN Irrigation Systems of Israel. This was wrapped up through the initiative of their very active City Agriculturist, Ms. Lourdes Balatibat. But it wouldn't be possible without the support of their SB Members and their very supportive Mayor Marino "Boking" Morales.

Each recipient Barangays, some of their participants for our season long training are eagerly wanted to learn the technology under the Protective Culture Farming. 




Sunday, November 13, 2016 , , , ,

UPLB develops package of technology for postharvest processing of sea cucumber

Class A Premium grade dried sea cucumber (left photo) compared with low-grade sun-dried sea cucumber (right photo) (Image credit: UP-Marine Science Institute)

To address the issue on quality and value of Philippine dried sea cucumbers, the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) developed a package of technology for the postharvest processing of sea cucumber specifically, Holothuria scabra.

The technology produces Class A premium grade sea cucumber with reduced microbial content, improved shelf life, and no foul odor, thus commanding a higher market price.

Sea cucumber is a high-value commodity that provides coastal communities with lucrative sources of income. However, its value remains low because the high value species are depleted. Its depletion can be attributed to unregulated harvesting and trade and the absence of know-how on the part of the fishers on the best processing method to produce high value dried sea cucumbers.

The technology is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and its research and development arm, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).

To increase awareness on the technology, PCAARRD and the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC) conducted the first postharvest training at the Mariano Marcos State University - College of Aquatic Science and Applied Technology (MMSU-CASAT), Currimao, Ilocos Norte. It was attended by participants from Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), MMSU, Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), Cagayan State University (CSU), Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 2 (DA RFO 2) and Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST Region 1), Local Government Units of (LGUs) Pasuquin and Currimao, Ilocos Norte.

Through actual demonstration, participants had first-hand experience on using both the package of technology and traditional method.  They were able to experience how the postharvest technology improved the traditional drying practices. The training included a series of lecture discussions, video presentations, and action planning.







Sunday, November 13, 2016 , , , ,

Friday, November 11, 2016

Locally Invented Rice Planter

Mechanical Rice Transplanter

“Magtanim ay di biro” (Planting rice is never fun) used to be sang I the old days. It is because during planting season, nobody ever seems to stand straight. Everyone is stooped down under the hot sun planting the rice seedlings. And yes, it is never fun.

Today, local farmers and engineers have teamed up to develop and create the “Local Riding-Type Transplanter” or LRTT. This enables the farmer to ride the LRTT when planting the seedlings or rice stalks. 

The machine enables the farmer to plant from 2 to 6 seedlings at a time at a depth of  2-6 centimeters with 12 – 18 centimeters distance between them. Each line is separated by 30 centimeters. The LRTT has the capacity to plant 2 hectares of Riceland I five days as compared to the average manual planting of 14 – 18 days. This greatly enhances the efficiency of the farmer and maximizes the space for each seedling.   

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) developed the LRTT based on designs from Korea but was further modified for Philippine conditions. The project was financed by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development ng Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).

The LRTT will be pilot tested for capabilities and endurance in several selected areas in the country for two years. Nueva Ecija, Iloilo and Midsayap, North Cotabato will be given each an LRTT for field testing. The farmers In these areas will be trained in the use, care and maintenance of the machines.

Manufacturers of the machines will also be given training. The field tests will be used to determine ho to further improve the machines and how its utilization will be more acceptable to farmers and the agricultural machinery market.

Source: Readings from DOST-PCAARRD





Friday, November 11, 2016 , , ,

Monday, November 7, 2016

Urban Farmer: Grow Herbs in Water


Many urban dwellers wants to have plants that can also be consumed by them. In many urban dwellings, there are "water" plants and succulents that are taken cared of. In fact, many residents of condominiums and townhouses keep plants in their residences so as to maintain a modicum of contact to nature.

The unavailability of soil stymies increased efforts in urban gardening and is seen also as a hurdle when seeking to grow herbs and spices in their abodes.

There exists herbs and plants that can be grown "hydroponically", which means they can be grown without soil and only use water i containers. 

Here are tips that can be the "starter kits" for the budding urban gardener/farmer:

Water

For a simple herb stand in the kitchen, you can root herb cuttings in plain water in glass bottles. Avoid using chlorinated water directly as the bleaching chemical is not exactly friendly to plant tissues. Tap water that has been left to air overnight is fine, so is stored rainwater. Spring water or well water is the best because it has some amount of dissolved minerals that may be of use to plants.
Containers

As for the container, mason jars or any other glass bottles will do, even plastic bottles. Roots generally like to grow away from light, so colored bottles, especially amber colored ones (such as these) are best. You can just wrap a piece of paper around the bottle to keep the root zone in the dark. This will even prevent algal growth on the container walls and on the root surface. Algae do not adversely affect plant growth, but they make the bottles look untidy.   

Narrow-mouthed containers have an advantage: they can support the cuttings and keep them nearly upright. However, the mouth of the container shouldn’t be too narrow or tight-fitting around the cutting. The roots have to breathe, and the mouth of the container should allow free movement of air.

If you’re using a wide-mouthed container, you have the option of covering the top with nylon or wire netting. Insert the cuttings through the holes, and that will offer some support to the cuttings. Another advantage, especially in warmer areas, is that the netting prevents mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water and multiplying.

Plant cuttings   

Soft cuttings are pretty quick to root in water. You don’t need to use any rooting hormones. If you have some herbs growing in the garden, snip off 6-inch sections from growing tips and put them in the water-filled containers. The best part of growing herbs from cuttings is that you can use the ones you get from the supermarket. Just wash them in plain water and cut off the lower portion.

Remove lower leaves from cuttings and trim the lower tips close to the nodes from where the roots arise. When they are inserted into the bottles, there shouldn’t be any leaves touching the water. They can rot easily and spoil the water, as they do in flower vases.  

Woody cuttings like rosemary may take longer to root, so be patient. Change the water once a week without disturbing the cuttings. Once the roots start growing, usually between 2-6 weeks, water changes may not be necessary.







Monday, November 07, 2016 , ,

Friday, November 4, 2016

Technical congress renames mud crab as mangrove crab

Participants of the 1st National Mud Crab Congress held at Ann Margaret Ballroom,Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City (Photo by the Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division, PCAARRD)
Mud crabs will now be referred to as mangrove crabs.

This was agreed upon during the first National Mud Crab Congress held by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center-Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC-AQD) in Tigbauan, Iloilo. The congress had the theme, Philippines: In the forefront of the mud crab industry development. The resolution was signed by 246 participants, wherein 20 are from the academe or state universities and colleges, 71 from different government agencies, 99 from non-government organizations and private sectors, and 67 from SEAFDEC-AQD, University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).

As crabs live in the mangrove, the congress participants agreed to link the species to its environment to give importance to mangrove forests, an extremely productive ecosystem. Mangrove forests provide numerous goods and services both to the marine environment and populace. Not only serving as home to fishes, crabs, shrimps, and mollusks, they also provide the essential source of food for thousands of coastal communities around the world.

Locally known as alimango, mud crab will now be referred to as mangrove crab as its standard common name in English and will apply to all species belonging to the genus Scylla.

The National Mud Crab Congress was held in collaboration with the UPV in Miag-ao, Iloilo and DOST-PCAARRD.

The congress aimed to discuss the present state of mangrove crab industry in the country; latest developments and technologies, problems, issues, and researchable areas; and to increase awareness, support and development in attaining the common goal of making the Philippines as the biggest producer of mangrove crab, surpassing its ranking as second to China. The event was held at Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City.

The congress also featured paper presentations focused on hatchery, nursery and grow-out including fattening and aquasilviculture, soft-shell crab farming, and postharvest. Aside from recent updates on researches undertaken on mangrove crab, new research areas for its industry development were identified.

The decapod crustacean or 10-legged mangrove crab is also referred as Indo-Pacific swamp crab. There are three species of mangrove crab in the Philippines, namely, Scylla olivacea, S. tranquebarica, and S. paramamosain. In the Philippines, mangrove crab is considered a very important aquaculture commodity due to its high demand in the local and world markets. 

Source: http://www.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph/home/portal/index.php/quick-information-dispatch/2649-technical-congress-renames-mud-crab-as-mangrove-crab






Friday, November 04, 2016 , , , ,

Thursday, November 3, 2016

DOST-PCAARRD supports research on carageenan plant food supplement for cool-season crops

Carrageenan PFS will be tested in vegetables grown in crop shelters at BSU (Photo by Benguet State University (BSU and PCAARRD))

Producing healthy, high value crops at lesser cost will help farmers raise their income. One way is by tapping the potential of seaweeds as natural fertilizer. Seaweeds contain an additive called carrageenan. Earlier studies showed that carrageenan, when degraded or reduced into tiny sizes using irradiation technology, can promote growth in rice plants. It can also make plants resistant to pests and diseases.

The Benguet State University (BSU) will investigate the effect of using carrageenan plant food supplement (PFS) and synthetic fertilizer combinations on the growth, quality, and yield of cool-season crops such as lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, and strawberry grown under greenhouse conditions.

The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) recently approved funding of this two-year project. BSU, through its Project leader Dr. John F. Malamug and his team, will evaluate the effects of various levels and frequencies of carrageenan PFS applications. They will identify the optimum levels and frequency of PFS applications where yield is maximum. Results of experiments at the research station will be validated in farmers’ fields. Also, the project team will determine the economic profitability of using the carrageenan PFS in vegetable and strawberry production.

The project will benefit local farmers growing lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, and strawberry. When found feasible, farmers’ dependence on costly fertilizers will be reduced. This will mean bigger savings.

Similarly, seaweed farmers and processors’ income will increase, as demand for seaweed is expected to increase. Also, safer and better quality fruits and vegetables will be made available to consumers at reasonable price.

This project is also expected to result in 20% yield increase per cropping; 25-30% reduction in chemical fertilizer use; and at least 25% reduction in insecticide use.

Source: http://www.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph/home/portal/index.php/quick-information-dispatch/2816-dost-pcaarrd-supports-research-on-carageenan-plant-food-supplement-for-cool-season-crops





Thursday, November 03, 2016 , , , ,

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Improved Lakatan and Cavendish varieties through S&T

A farmer checks the bunch of BBTV-resistant Lakatan (Photo by Gretchen O. Nas)
Banana is an important fruit crop in the Philippines due to its potential both in the local and international market. The Philippines is the 3rd largest producer of banana in the world next to India and China and is the 4th largest agricultural produce of the Philippines in 2011 recorded at 9.16M metric tons (mt) valued at US$ 2.32B.

The Cavendish banana is the export variety constituting 50% of the country’s production and provides employment to almost 330,000 Filipinos. On the other hand, Lakatan is the most common dessert banana in the country, while Saba is the cooking-type banana. While banana production in the country is high, it remains to be greatly affected by various diseases such as Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Cubense, Foc) with tropical race 4 (TR4) threatening the Cavendish varieties; banana bunchy top virus (BBTV); Sigatoka; bacterial wilt; and insect pests.

Because of the major effect of pests and diseases on banana productivity, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) crafted the Banana Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) which aims to reduce incidence of Foc TR4 on Cavendish in Mindanao by 90-95%; increase average yield of Lakatan from 21.58 mt/ha to 34.52 mt/ha and reduce incidence of BBTV from 70% to 20%; and increase production of Saba for banana chips production by 33% per cropping season.

The program S&T Management Approaches against Fusarium wilt on Cavendish in Mindanao intends to address the threat of Foc TR4 through the use of resistant varieties that are suitable under Philippine condition and acceptable to the export market. The use of these varieties can be complemented with the application of commercially available microbial agents that have the potential to lessen the impact of Foc TR4.

The Giant Cavendish Tissue Culture Variants (GCTCV) 218 and 219 are the Cavendish somaclones from Taiwan that show promise as alternative to Grand Nain (GN), which produces an average of 30 kg/bunch. GCTCV 218 produces fingers and yield that are almost similar to GN at an average of 25 kg/bunch. GCTCV 219, on the other hand, has relatively lower yield at an average of 18 kg/bunch but is relatively sweeter and can be marketed as highland banana.

Greenhouse and field trials on the use of commercially available microbial agents showed that application of Trichoderma harzianum enhances action against Foc TR4 in GCTCV 218, the moderately resistant somaclone.

Practices such as removal of infected bracts and intensive fertilizer application can aid in Foc TR4 management. Based on current studies, the combination of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) and T. harzianum works best in lowering Foc TR4 incidence. GCTCV 219, which is very resistant to Foc TR4, no longer requires application of microbial agents but should be properly managed.

Since 1999, the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) has been working on the development of BBTV-resistant Lakatan. Mutant lines were developed through irradiation and is currently showing intermediate resistance to BBTV. Disease spread was observed to be slower in Lakatan lines compared to ordinary Lakatan. The performance of the lines are being tested in Quirino, Laguna, Batangas, and Davao City and shows varying performance across location: 270-405 days to harvest; six to nine hands per bunch; and 12-26 kg per bunch.

DOST-PCAARRD will showcase BBTV-resistant Lakatan and Fusarium Wilt-resistant Cavendish including other agri-aqua S&T research and development (R&D) outputs on March 2-4, 2016 during the SIPAG FIESTA at its headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna.
SIPAG, a technology transfer strategy, embodies the Council’s commitment to DOST’s Outcome One in a bid to ensure that the fruits of R&D activities for the agri-aqua sectors will be a blessing for every Juan.

Source: http://www.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph/home/portal/index.php/quick-information-dispatch/2677-improved-lakatan-and-cavendish-varieties-through-s-t





Wednesday, November 02, 2016 , , , , ,

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Mushroom cultivation flourishing in Bicol


Mariano Raceles, a farmer in Bicol, always had a fascination with mushrooms. Back in 2013, he was motivated to give his outdoor mushroom plantation an upgrade. 

Fast forward to 2016, the joint efforts of Raceles and the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office in Bicol through Pedro Oliver, regional focal person for mushroom, have led to the establishment of a community-based organization of mushroom growers – the Bicol Entrepreneurs’ Association for Mushroom or BEAM. 

With beneficiaries in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Albay, “Bicol’s Community-Based Mushroom Project” aims to provide local farmers with an additional source of income and livelihood. 

The DA, in partnership with the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), accomplished this by spearheading the production of pure culture and quality spawn bags which, Oliver said, are “key components to the sustainability of mushroom production.”

 “The project is made up of two components: on-station and community-based enterprise development,” Oliver said.

 It was during the on-station stage that the DA developed the technology to make pure culture, spawn bags, and fruit bags. It also included the production of information, education, and communication materials through the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section; value-adding of mushroom by-products conducted by the DA-RFO 5 Food Laboratory; as well as the training of the project’s beneficiaries.

The community-based enterprise development, on the other hand, focused on getting interested farmers to understand the business potential of mushroom production and helping them reach a wider market in the province.

“The mushroom is an organism under the group of fungi. Here in Bicol, we focused on propagating edible mushrooms.  The mushroom species that growers in Bicol prefer are oyster mushrooms, while others have also been showing interest in propagating Ganoderma species which is the kind commonly used for pharmaceutical purposes,” he added.

During trainings, beneficiaries are taught the basic tools and steps needed to start mushroom production. Mushrooms are grown out of fruiting bags. These bags must be filled with substrates (growth media) that are usually made up of one kilo of recycled agricultural waste such as saw dust or rice straw, or a combination of both mixed with agricultural lime. 

After the bags had been prepared and sealed, they undergo thorough pasteurization in steel drums heated overnight in order to eliminate any contaminants. The fruiting bags are unsealed so that growers can place the mushroom spawn onto the substrate. The fruiting bags are once again sealed and stored together in a fruiting house. 

In two to four months, each fruiting bag will have already produced 30 percent of the weight of the mushroom fruit bags. 

For Raceles, his fruiting houses made out of indigenous materials are home to over 5,000 fruiting bags which can produce approximately 150 kilos of mushrooms within the entire production cycle. 

Harvested oyster mushrooms were then developed into delicious by-products. The DA has already concocted various mushroom dishes that include mushroom ice cream, mushroom soup with chili, pickled mushroom, ketchup, dried mushroom, prunes, and mushroom sisig.

 After the production cycle, the substrates that remain in the fruiting bags can be used in vermicomposting. Farmers can then sell the vermicompost for P10 a kilo.

What started as just a handful of mushroom growers has now grown into the BEAM organization. Ever since its establishment last year, both Oliver and Raceles have taken on active roles in the organization, and today BEAM is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

BEAM’s goal is to be able to produce 100-200 kilos of mushroom daily for interested buyers. Currently, a kilo of harvested oyster mushrooms is sold at P150 to P195.
The project has trained 2,093 clients on mushroom production. Participants to these trainings come from different walks of life: farmers, military, students, religious groups, as well as indigenous people. 

The research also got special recognition in the 2015 and 2016 in-house R&D reviews of the DA. Aside from gaining recognition in trade fairs, Bicol mushroom production has also been featured by two national TV networks. 

Source: http://www.philstar.com/agriculture/2016/10/23/1636315/mushroom-cultivation-flourishing-bicol






Wednesday, October 26, 2016 , , ,

Two women scientists cited for novel plant research

Nonato (left) and De Leon

Two women scientists have received awards from international science research communities for their novel research on endemic plants. 

In a recent press briefing, Maribel Nonato and Rizalina de Leon were presented by the Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology (PhilAAST), headed by Science Secretary Fortunato de la Peña, as recipients of this year’s Gregorio Y. Zara Awards for Basic and Applied Research.  

PhilAAST aims to promote scientific and technological research that contributes to knowledge stock and national development.

Nonato was conferred the Gregorio Y. Zara Award for Basic Research for her pioneering work on Phytochemistry and biological activities of Philippine genus Pandanus (family Pandanaceae), better known as pandan. 

De Leon was given the same award for Applied Research for her bioethanol production using local varieties of fungi as alternative sources of ethanol additives replacing food-based crops such as corn.  

Currently vice-rector for research and innovation at the University of Santo Tomas, Nonato has spent years doing groundbreaking research on pandan.  

Prior to her research, there was little known information about pandan. Locally, 20 out of 450 species of this monocot plant grow abundantly in the country. Ordinarily, pandan leaves are used in preparing sweet delicacies and beverages due to their sweet aromatic scent.  

Pandan leaf is most commonly used when cooking rice.  

In contrast, the closest the pandan has been considered as a herbal medicine was when the plant was included in pito-pito, a popular traditional concoction of seven endemic plants in the country used to relieve common illnesses. 

Nonato started her research in 1991. “Look for subjects that have little information so you can contribute to the development of new knowledge,” she said.

She had initial talks with world-renowned botanist Benjamin Stone who was then working with the National Museum on an inventory of Philippine medicinal plants.  
Research stalled with Stone’s death, but Nonato continued her work. 

Her research led to the discovery of new secondary metabolites with biological activities, the basis for the plant’s medicinal attributes. With this breakthrough discovery, neighboring countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand undertook similar research on their respective Pandanus species. 

Moreover, biological studies on pandan have found it a potential source of anti-microbials, anti-viral, diuretics, anti-tuberculars, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. 

Consequently, Nonato’s research on the new alkaloids earned her the 2006 National Research Council of the Philippines Achievement Award in Chemical Sciences. Her various works on pandan have led her students to give her the moniker “Pandan Queen.”   

On the other hand, De Leon’s research focused on bioethanol production. 

Deviating from the usual bioethanol feedstock using corn and other similar food-based materials, De Leon worked on local fungal species that can degrade complex polymers called lignin to produce ethanol as fuel additives. 

According to her, corn and other food-base raw materials should not be used in the production of alternative fuel as this threatens food security in the country.

Her team identified Fusarium moniliforme, one of the most prevalent fungi, as a promising source of ethanol through a consolidated bioprocessing approach that extracts the ethanol from its solid form. 

The bioprocess provides the fermentation resulting in the production of a substance with higher ethanol concentration at a shorter processing time.  

Other scientists cited were Enrico Paringit, recipient of the David M. Consunji Award for Engineering; Antonio Dans, for Dr. Paulo C. Campos Award for Health Research; and Antonio Laureana as this year’s Leads Agri awardee.  

PhilAAST confers the awards annually on men and women of science who have contributed new knowledge for the advancement of science and technology in the country. Awardees receive P50,000 cash and a plaque of recognition. 

Source: http://www.philstar.com/science-and-environment/2016/10/20/1635231/two-women-scientists-cited-novel-plant-research





Wednesday, October 26, 2016 , , , ,

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Going Nuts with Peanuts

Boron is one of the seven micronutrients required for normal growth and development of plants. It promotes proper cell division, cell elongation, cell wall strength, flowering, pollination, seed set, and sugar translocation. 

Based on recent studies, the combined application of Boron (Solubor Borax and Fertibor) significantly increased peanut yield, contributing yield increment of 627-693 kg/ha for BPI Pn 9 variety, 709-1,097 kg/ha for NSICPn 15 (Asha) variety, and 1,641-1,907 kg/ha for NSIC Pn 14 (Namnama 2) variety.

This yield increment can be translated to an increase in income ranging from P5,000/ha to P33,000/ha depending on the prevailing farm gate price of the peanut at harvest. Economic analysis however, showed that it is economical to use Solubor Borax in single application at the rate of 500 g/ha giving a marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR) of 5.89%, 9.17%, and 7.74% for BPI Pn 9, NSIC Pn 14, and NSIC Pn 15 variety, respectively. Boron application also reduced the number of unfilled pods by 15–44%.

Benefits

• Increases crop yield

• Improves root nodule development for more nitrogen fixation and protein

production

• Produces and retain more flowers and pegs

• Enhances calcium utilization

• Translocates more sugars and protein from leaves to nuts

• Prevents“hollow heart”(internal nut damage with discolored and damaged

kernels)

Target Beneficiaries

• Peanut growers

• Low-income farmers in corn, rice, coconut and fruit crops-based farming

systems/ communities

• Low-income farmers in sandy soils and lahar-laden areas

• Agri-entrepreneurs (seed growers and food processors)

Locations

• Cagayan and Isabela

• Tarlac and Pampanga

Partner Institutions

• DA – RFO 02/ Cagayan Valley Research Center

• DA – RFO 03/ Central Luzon Integrated Agricultural Research Center

• Pampanga State Agricultural University

• Tarlac College of Agriculture

Source: Readings from DOT-PCAARRD





Tuesday, October 25, 2016 , , , , ,

Monday, October 24, 2016

How to remove chemical residue in vegetables


Would you believe that by soaking your vegetables in a solution of two teaspoons of vinegar in a liter of water you can remove up to 80 percent of the pesticide residues?

Yes, that’s one of four easy ways you can remove pesticide residues recommended by Dr. Susan May F. Calumpang of UP Los Baños. She and members of her team have found that out in a research project funded by PCAARRD, an agency of the Department of Science and Technology. The study was aimed at establishing mitigating measures to minimize pesticide residues in intact and fresh-cut vegetables and sprouts.

The research team now suggests four very easy and simple ways of removing pesticide residues in vegetables. Here they are:

1. Mix two teaspoons of vinegar into 4 cups of water and use this for soaking your vegetables for two minutes. This can reduce insecticide residues by up to 80 percent.
2. Mix 10 drops of liquid detergent into one liter of water and use this to wash your vegetables. Afterwards, rinse the vegetables in running tap water. This can reduce insecticide residues by 67 to 88 percent.
3. Boil vegetables. Insecticides are destroyed and broken down when they react to heat and water.
4. Broiling or grilling vegetables is another way of reducing pesticide residues. Eggplant is one vegetable that is usually broiled or grilled.

VEGGIES FOR SALAD – The research team recommends that fresh vegetables used in salads should be washed thoroughly using the above procedures if they have not been exposed to heat.

By the way, Dr. Calumpang, who is assistant to the UPLB vice chancellor for research and extension, specializes in chemical ecology which is the study of chemicals that affect insect behavior. Her studies, in collaboration with other researchers, have already resulted in pest control techniques that can be used to protect crops without the use of chemical pesticides.

One example: The placement of leafy stalks of “Tagbak” (about one meter long) in rice fields can reduce green leaf hopper infestation which is the vector of the very destructive tungro virus to rice. Tagbak is a wild member of the ginger family found in many places in the country.






Monday, October 24, 2016 , ,

WESMAARRDEC banners sardine’s R&D

A bountiful catch of sardines waiting to be disposed at the shoreline (Photo by Dr. Asuncion B. de Guzman)

Joining this year’s Davao Agriculture Trade Expo (DATE), the Western Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESMAARRDEC) banners one of its most notable exploits for the sardine industry.

WESMAARRDEC’s effort and that of its member agencies provide support to the goal of improving the supply chain of sardines in selected regions of the country.

The joint effort primarily addresses the decline in sardine’s production, coupled with overfishing which may jeopardize the industry’s numerous beneficiaries not only in the Zamboanga Peninsula but also in the whole country.

The industry’s beneficiaries include canning factories, bottled sardine manufactures, fish processors, tin can manufacturers, commercial fishing operators, and dried fish processors.

Responding to this concern, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) implemented the sardines closed season through a joint administrative circular. It prohibited the catching of sardines in the conservation area (East Sulu Sea, Basilan Strait, and Sibuguey Bay) for three months from December 1 to March 1 for three years (2011-2014). 

The sardines closed season is a project component of the Sulu-Celebes Sea Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SCS-SFMP) of the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources/National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-BFAR/NFRDI) and funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). To provide science-based information to validate the policy on closed season for sardines, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) funded a program on the development of tools for managing the sardine fisheries. 

The three-month closed season for sardines resulted to the increase in the production of sardines in the study area. It recorded a 30% increase in sardine production in 2012. There was also an increase in the relative number of spawners, disappearance of small sardines, and appearance of bigger ones in the landed catch.   

With the gains of the closed season, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, a WESMAARRDEC-member agency, extended its implementation for another three years beginning 2014 subject to continuous research and peer review by experts to determine the best management strategy that would ensure the sustainability and conservation of sardines.

In 2011, PCAARRD, with the support of the UP Marine Science Institute (MSI) and in cooperation with UP Visayas (UPV) and Mindanao State University-Naawan (MSU-Naawan) implemented a program for the development of robust tools for the sardine industry using satellite and landed catch data under its Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP).

DOST-PCAARRD funded five projects under this initiative. The first project ventured on capturing the dynamic linkages between small pelagic and primary production through satellite images and models for better resource management in the Bohol Sea and the Zamboanga Peninsula. 

The other projects worked on sustaining the sardine fishery industry through a better understanding of the time and space dynamics affecting sardine in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Bohol Sea System, early life stage mortality and recruitment, assessment of the sardine fisheries in Tawi-Tawi waters and molecular technology-based assessment of the sustainability of sardine fisheries.      

The program is expected to reduce the depletion of the stock and the decline of sardine production in the country inasmuch as it will provide science-based inputs to policy on conservation and management of the sardine fisheries.

Consistent with its commitment of providing “science based know-how and tools that enable the agriculture sector to raise productivity to world class standards,” DOST-PCAARRD is also currently supporting sardine supply chain and impact assessment of the closed season for sardine fisheries.

Source: http://www.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph/home/portal/index.php/quick-information-dispatch/2794-wesmaarrdec-banners-sardine-s-r-d






Monday, October 24, 2016 , , , ,

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Tarlac cooperative turns misfortune into blessings through S&T and hard work

Farmers harvest “kinerots” variety of sweetpotato in Sapang, Moncada (Photo by ACD, PCAARRD)

The town of Ablang-Sapang, Moncada, Tarlac City has been an agricultural community, growing crops such as sweetpotato, corn, rice, turnips, and vegetables. However, in 1991, Mt. Pinatubo erupted, affecting the provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales. Farmers were devastated to find their crops buried in lahar.

Engr. Cesar L. Tabago, chief executive officer of Sapang Primary Multipurpose Cooperative (PMPC) said that this was unfortunate as the residents of Moncada, Tarlac rely on planting sweetpotato and other crops for their livelihood.

Three years after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, the lahar that buried their crops became a blessing to Tarlac’s farmers. According to the Tarlac College of Agriculture (TCA) Director for Research and Development Dr. Lilibeth Laranang, lahar mixed with the soil in the field made it sandy, the type of soil suitable for growing sweetpotato. The farm soil in Tarlac, according to Tabago, gave way to making the province as the largest commercial producer of sweetpotato in the country, with 5,600 hectares of field planted with the crop.

Tabago said that Sapang PMPC earns its revenues from fresh sweetpotato and dried sweetpotato chips. During harvesting, fresh sweetpotato gives them earnings of P325,000 from 250 sacks or 25 metric tons of sweetpotato in their more than 2,000-hectare farm.

Meanwhile, reject sweetpotatoes, which used to be left in the field to rot, are now turned into dried sweetpotato chips that can be processed as animal feed. Combined with its earnings from fresh sweetpotato, Sapang PMPC had its first purchase order for the year amounting to P30,200,000.

Sapang PMPC plants sweetpotato from August to March and harvests from November until June or July. Sweetpotato varieties Kinerots, Inubi, Super Taiwan, and Super Bureau are the four varieties that are planted in its 2,000-hectare farm.

In 2000, the Sapang PMPC was established primarily to manage the excess sweetpotato produce. Before the establishment of the cooperative, there was no alternative market big enough to absorb the excess sweetpotato, resulting to spoilage.

“Our forefathers who were also sweetpotato farmers, did not have information or linkages to make their farm productive. Today, with the help of TCA and with the Sapang PMPC, we can say, ‘may pera sa kamote,’” said Tabago.

TCA has been supporting the cooperative since its establishment by providing clean planting materials. This initiative was done through a project funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD): Promoting commercialization of sweetpotato clean planting materials (SP-CPM): support to the food and feed industry in Central Luzon.

Aside from clean planting materials, Tabago said soil preparation is key to having a bountiful harvest.

“We make sure that the soil is powdery by harrowing using a tractor 10 to 14 times. This increases our sweetpotato productivity,” he said.

Tabago highlighted the success story of Sapang PMPC during the sweetpotato field day/harvest festival of the Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA) organized by TCA in Sapang, Moncada, Tarlac.

FIESTA is DOST-PCAARRD’s technology diffusion strategy, which uses events to enhance agri-aqua technology transfer and commercialization.







Wednesday, October 12, 2016 , ,

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Nutrient formulations for potato seed production using aeroponics being developed by IPB-UPLB

The Aeroponics setup at IPB-UPLB (Photo by the Crops Research Division, DOST-PCAARRD)

Nutrient formulations for the aeroponics system are being developed by the Institute of Plant Breeding of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (IPB-UPLB). The formulations are being used to produce cheaper and clean potato planting materials through aeroponics.

Once tested for its effectiveness, the nutrient formulations will help in producing potato seeds using aeroponics, a soilless method of producing potato seeds wherein plant roots are enclosed in a dark compartment. Aeroponics requires smaller space and potentially lower input costs like labor, nutrients, water, and chemical pesticides while producing more seeds relative to conventional seed production.

Aside from the nutrient formulations, systemic pesticides and root hormones were used to improve the capability of the system.

The nutrient formulations were outputs of the project, Potato seed production through aeroponics, which is being implemented by UPLB and the Department of Agriculture Region 10 – Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (DA 10-NMACLRC) and funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).

The project is targeting a yield of 40 mini tubers/plant, which is five times higher than that of the conventional method, which only produces eight mini tubers/plant. The current productivity in UPLB is 15 mini tubers/plant; 19 mini tubers/plant in Benguet State University (BSU); and 27 mini tubers/plant in the DA 10-NMACLRC.







Tuesday, October 11, 2016 , , , ,
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