AgriBusiness – Business Diary Philippines

Initiatives on market research for adlay are now being undertaken.Following a series of national reviews and planning workshops conducted in view of the Adlay R&D Program that pushes for the commodity’s market development, the program is now focusing on the marketing aspect.

While a lot of research and development efforts on adlay have already been accomplished and produced promising results in terms of production and processing, information on regional market has not yet been established. With this, the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) commissioned the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) to lead the market research on adlay. A private research university in the country, the UA&P is known for having the technical expertise in conducting market research endeavors.The study aims to come up with a marketing plan for adlay products based on the market research of households and retailers/distributors in the selected sample areas. Such areas include major adlay-producing regions including 2, 4A, 9, and 10 and not-so-familiar areas to adlay including NCR and Region 7. The marketing plan will serve as a guiding tool in pursuing possible commercialization of adlay.According to the UA&P, a comprehensive analysis of adlay’s marketing environment is important in determining its acceptability in the market. Moreover, it will aid in designing appropriate product development and introduction strategies that will help in realizing marketing-related goals of the Adlay R&D Program.As far as benefits are concerned, this initiative will pave for the crafting of further research plans for the development of adlay as food staple and processed food product in support to the Food Staples Sufficiency Program of the Department of Agriculture. Furthermore, it will encourage farmers to improve their productivity and income by venturing into value-added processing.On 27-30 April 2015, a team composed of adlay focals from concerned divisions of BAR and DA-Cagayan Valley Research Center joined the UA&P to observe the fieldwork on product test and price sensitivity among selected households in Dupax and Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya. ### (Anne Camille B. Brion)

Alugbati (Basella alba L., B. rubraL.) or Malabar spinach also known as Ceylon spinach, Vietna-mese spinach (English); Saan Choy, Shan Tsoi, Luo Kai, ShuChieh, Lo Kwai (Chinese); TsuruMurasa Kai (Japanese); MongToi (Vietnamese); Paag-Prung (Thai); Genjerot, Jingga, Gendola (Indonesian), is one of the most popular indigenous leafy vegetables in the Philippines. It is widely cultivated in all regions of the country particularly in the Visayas region.

The plant is a succulent branched, smooth, twining, herbaceous vine. The stems are green or purplish. The leaves are fleshy, ovate or heart-shaped, 5-12 centimeters (cm) in length, stalked, tapering toa pointed tip and heart shape at the base. The spikes are axillary, solitary and 5-29 cm in length. The flowers are pink and about 4 millimeters (mm) long. The fruit is fleshy, stalkless, ovoid or nearly spherical, 5-6 mm in length and purple when mature.The taste is similar to spinach, however this crop is a very warm-season crop unlike standard spinach grown in the Northeastern US. This crop is native to tropical Asia, probably originating from India or Indonesia, and is extremely heat tolerant. Production trendsMalabar spinach is grown throughout the tropics as a perennial and in warmer temperate regions as an annual crop. The vegetable is sold in many local markets. It is a minor vegetable and since it is generally grouped together with other greens, no data on production or trade are available.Uses/ImportanceAlugabti is commonly grown for its young shoots which make an excellent succulent, slightly mucilaginous vegetable, used as a pot herb in stews or soups, consumed boiled, fried in oil or sometimes as green salad. Its fruits seem to have been earlier used for dyeing purposes in China. The red fruit juice can be used as ink, cosmetic and for coloring foods. The young leaves can be used as laxative, the pulped leaves to poultice sores, red fruit juice as eye drops to treat conjunctivitis and the roots as rubefacient. The red forms are commonly planted as ornamentals and are, even becoming popular in Europe as a pot plant.The plant is a rich source of soluble fiber, which helps digestion. It is rich in Saponins that act as phytochemicals, which can fight off cancer. The red variety of alugbati is a good source of xanthones, an antioxidant. Its Folic acid, which is also called folate, is one of the B vitamins that are critical for childbearing women. It helps them prevent birth defects on the neural tube, e.g., spina bifida.The cooked roots are used to treat diarrhea while cooked alugbati leaves and stems can serve as mild laxative, especially in kids and pregnant women. The decoction from the leaves is also mixed with sugar and used for catarrhal difficulty in children.Similarly, the sap is also applied to acne to prevent inflammation. It also soothes headaches. When mixed with butter, it can be applied on burns and scalds. The flowers can be used as antidote for poison while a poultice made from the roots is applied to swellings.According to other countries’ folklores, the plant is also used in treating hemorrhages and can enhance fertility in women. It is also administered to patients with sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea.Nutritional PropertiesThe composition of Alugbati is comparable to other dark green leafy vegetables with ahigh moisture content. The leaves contain several triterpeneoligoglycosides of the oleanane-type, including basellasaponins, betavulgaroside I, spinacoside C and momordins. Two antifungal peptides and two ribosome-inactivating proteins with antiviral activity have been isolated from the seeds.Crop typesThere are three common types of alugbati: Basellaalba with green stem and oval to almost round leaves; Basellarubra with red stem and green, oval to round leaves; and a third type which is a hybrid of the two. A stopgap variety named “Pulahan” with red stem and the green stem called “Luntian” was released in 1981 by the Institute of Plant Breeding. CultivationClimate and soil requirementsIt grows well in tropical lowlands at elevations up to 500-3,000 meters (m). It also grows in temperate regions, however growth is slow in low temperatures resulting in low yields. Flowering is induced during the short-day months of November to February. Alugbatithrives in many soils, but sandy loam soils rich in organic matter with pH ranging from 5.5 to 8.0 appears to be most suitable.Add compost or other organic matter to the soil. Alugbati grows best in soils high in organic matter. Compost also improves soil moisture retention and drainage, helping to create the moist and loamy soil that this spinach prefers. Add at least a couple of inches of compost to the surface of the soil and mix it into the native soil with a tiller. Inland soils tend to be heavier than coastal soils, so they can use up to 6 inches of compost.Land preparation and planting These are propagated by cuttings or seeds.Planting from CuttingsThe leaves are usually removed before planting to reduce water loss through aspiration. Fresh, healthy tip cuttings of about 20-25 cm lengthare the best planting materials. Soak the cuttings in water overnight or keep them in a dark and damp space for a day or two. Plant the cuttings on hills or in rows. Space small hills six to eight inches apart and put three or four cuttings on each hill. Alternatively, space rows eight to 12 inches apart, with the cuttings spaced about eight inches apart. Water the cuttings immediately and continue to keep the soil moist.Planting from SeedScarify (to make tiny punctures or superficial incisions) the seeds by using sandpaper or a knife to cut the outer seed coat. Plant the seeds directly outside after soil temperatures have warmed to the minimum temperature required for germination of 18.33 °C. Plant them about 1/4 inch deep in rows spaced about eight inches apart. Alternatively, spread seeds all across the soil and then thin the seedlings later so that they are spaced about eight inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist. If the soil dries out, the plants can flower, which makes the leaves taste bitter.In home gardens, alugbati is usually grown on slanting or horizontal trellises. For commercial production, densities of about 50,000 plants/hectare are recommended.FertilizationAlugbati can grow even under conditions of moderate soil fertility, but production is increased with the application of fertilizers. Soil test is highly recommended to determine available N, P and K. The fertilizer requirement calculated based on the target yield. Apply compost or manure at 3-5 tons/ha during plot preparation and sidedress once a month with manure or compost at 20-30 bags/ha. Tea manure and fermented plant juice (FPJ) may also be used to improve soil fertility.To prepare tea manure, soak ¾ sack of dried cow or horse manure in a ¾ plastic drum (200 L capacity) of water. Soak for 5 – 7 days with frequent stirring. To prepare the FPJ, mix three parts chopped plant shoots or banana trunk with 1 part raw sugar or molasses. Ferment mixture for 5 -7 days. Dilute 1 part tea manure or FPJ to 20 parts water and drench on the plots or use as foliar fertilizer.TrellisingIn commercial production, grow alugbati without trellis while in home or backyard gardens, provide trellis to maximize space.IrrigationAlugbati requires plenty of water for optimum growth. During dry season use furrow irrigation at 5-7 days interval or sprinkler irrigation daily to develop a deep healthy root system, use of mulch to conserve soil moisture like grass clippings or rice straw. For wet season need to provide canals to facilitate quick drainage of excess water after heavy rains. Avoid over irrigation to prevent foliar diseases development and leaching of soil nutrients. Weed ManagementAt early stage of the plants weed control is necessary to give alugbati a head start. Thorough land preparation and mulching such as grass clippings and rice straw can help to control the growth of weeds. Spot weeding or hoe weeding can be done also as needed. Crop ProtectionAlugbati is generally tolerant to pests and diseases due to its very thick leaf cuticle, which make it easy to grow organically. However, it serves as a host to a number of insect pests such as leafminers and cutworms that can be managedby regular harvesting. Leaf spots caused by Cercosporaand Acrotheciumsometimes occur. Alugbati is very susceptible to root-knot nematodes but it can be minimized by crop rotation with corn and planting of marigold. Harvesting Alugbati is ready for harvest at 30-45 days after planting. Plants harvested either once or repeatedly by priming. In once-over harvest, cut the stems or shoots close to the ground or uproot the entire plant (if grown from seeds), then wash and tie in bundles. For multiple harvests, pick or cut the shoots at about 15-25 cm long or at a frequency of weekly intervals. Harvesting is done late in the afternoon to reduce water loss and keep the produce in cool, shaded place. Post-harvest HandlingThis plant easily wilts after harvest. A common market practice is to sprinkle the bundles with water or to wrap them in banana leaves to retain freshness. If harvested with the roots intact, keep the bundles fresh for up to 7 days by letting them stand in a basin filled with water. For home consumption, pack alugbati in a styrofore boxes then store in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to 14 days.By:Julie Ann A. Aragones Department of Agriculture Bureau of Plant IndustryReferences Backyard Gardening Technoguide. Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and development Center (PCARRD) 69p. DA-NAFC Sub-Committee on Fruits and Vegetables. Booklet on Indigenous Vegetables. 52p http://database.prota.org/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?AC=QBE_ QUERY&BU=http%3A%2F%2Fdatabase.prota.org%2Fsearch.htm&TN=PROTAB~1&QB0=AND&QF0=Species+Code&QI0=Basella+alba&RF=Webdisplay http://homeguides.sfgate.com/plant-alugbati-23791.html http://www.all-about-philippine-fruits-and-herbs.com/alugbati-medicinal-uses.html https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=Cercospora+leaf+spot&client=firefox-a&hs=Gsr&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&source=lnms &tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=p2uEUsOFIYWdiAeHroHgCg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1600&bih=797 http://www.wordreference.com/definition/scarify http://www.worldcrops.org/crops/Malabar-Spinach.cfm

US-based US Agriseeds has put up a rice breeding station in the Philippines in line with government’s call to become rice-sufficient even as it releases to the market a variety that enables farmers to plant hybrid rice during disease-infested rainy season.

The breeding station of US Agriseeds through local subsidiary SeedWorks Philippines Inc. (SPI) covers four to five hectares in Munoz, Nueva Ecija. A breeding station is where the parent lines are developed for the desired superior traits like disease resistance.The company sees brisk demand growth not only in the Philippines that has a yearly two percent population growth but in bigger rice-consuming South East Asian countries, particularly Indonesia.“We’re fairly new in Southeast Asia, but we see a big opportunity because rice is mainly produced in Asia, and it is a good market if you put together Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam,” said Carlos Miguel L. Saplala, US AGriseeds general manager-South East Asia.Indonesia is among the world’s largest rice importers with around 1.5 million metric tons (MT) of import yearly, while the Philippines is still a rice importer at 187,000 MT this year.It is bent at sustaining investments in the Philippines.“Our investment here has been continuous since the end of 2006 toward 2007. We’re continuing to pour investment because you don’t really recover investments in seeds over a short period of time. From the time you start breeding for a new hybrid today to the time that the hybrid will see the market, it takes at least six years,” he said.US Agriseeds is specifically looking at the wet season as a market for a variety developed to be tolerant to bacterial leaf blight (BLB), an infestation problem that perennially causes farmers to abstain from hybrid rice use during the wet season. This is the Tatag Hybrid or TH 82.“TH 82 is very tolerant to bacterial leaf blight. It has been proven that it could perform in the wet season,” he said. “In Davao, we’re getting 11 tons per hectare even in the wet season. I think this is why we’ve progressed fast because TH 82 can be grown in the wet season. Farmers can plant it year round in many provinces.”The company is further working on a variety that has more intensified trait against the disease.Dr. Jagadeesha Gouda, Seedworks- India senior plant breeder, said a BLB resistant variety is being developed by Seedworks in its facility at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics or ICRISAT based in Hyderabad, India.It is not only sturdy against lodging, but it can also withstand stresses such as lack of irrigation and is suitable in areas where there are interruptions in irrigation, SPI said.Farmers in rainfed areas have become interested in TH 82 even if hybrid rice is least recommended in rainfed areas.“Based on our experience, we have sold to rainfed areas in some parts of Panay, Pangasinan, and Bicol. Water in rainfed is not as sufficient as those in irrigated areas that get water through NIA. But we’re getting an increment of two tons (per hectare) in areas where yield is only three to four tons,” he said.Rainfed areas are a potentially vast market with records showing some three million hectares all over the country.SPI conducts technology demonstration in multi-locations right in farmers’ areas through the Farmer Reliability Test (FRT). It has more than 40 FRT areas nationwide.Its other hybrid rice variety, US 88, has been developed specifically for the Philippines. It is a long grain type of rice suited to Filipinos’ preferred cooking quality and taste.“The US 88 is only sold in the Philippines. It’s one of the good varieties for eating quality with intermediate amylose. The texture is like IR 64, the premium inbred check variety for grain quality,” he said.It has shiny, crystal-like grain, and the texture and grain length is similar to dinorado which is a known retail name, but it’s even better because of its long grain, said SPI.“Its specific target market is progressive farmers, and farmers that are already getting a good yield can get even higher yield.. It is covered by the (loan facility) of the Sikat Saka program,” he said.Target areas are Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Davao del Sur.Within a year or two, it is set to release a third hybrid rice variety that just obtained accreditation with the National Seed Industry Council.“We want to please farmers, but we also make traders and millers happy by offering hybrids that have good milling attributes. The strength of this hybrid is also early maturity, so farmers in Iloilo can plant three croppings a year,” he said.US Agriseeds’ other breeding station for rice is in Hyderabad, India. Its germplasm base comes from a combination of sources—own collection all over the world, from the Hybrid Rice Development Consortium-International Rice Research Institute and line further developed into new parental lines.It has a biotechnology facility in Singapore. The company also has satellite farms with close to a hectare area for trials of hybrid rice in Isabela, Los Banos, and Davao.Seedworks also sees a good prospects for its hybrid vegetables as health-conscious consumers are a growing market. It has chili or pepper, tomato, kalabasa, watermelon, eggplant, and sweet corn.It is breeding vegetables according to consumer preference such as white for cucumber in Nueva Ecija and light green in Mindanao.“It’s not just about high yield but you have to convince farmers of the color, shape, and shelf life of vegetables. That’s why we want to build a more personalized marketing for vegetables.”Sweet corn hybrid Genki has a loger shelf life (plus 24 hours compared to other varieties). Its medium term plans for corn used for animal feeds is to put up seed production and breeding capacity in Mindanao, in South Cotabato, over a five to 10-hectare area. This a province in Mindanao that is a good area for breeding particularly for disease screening as these areas experience heavy infestation problems.For interview requests, please call 0916-266-6604

Carrageenan plant growth regulator (CPGR) has recently been found to increase rice yield by more than 65%.

In a multi-location project, the trial conducted in Bulacan by the team led by Dr. Gil L. Magsino of the National Crop Protection Center - University of the Philippines-Los Banos (UPLB-NCPC), yielded the following results: On grain weight, application of 3 and 6 bags of chemical fertilizer per hectare (ha), combined with 200 ppm (or 20 mL/L) of CPGR yielded higher grain weight (450 g and 455 g/10 hills, respectively) than the farmers’ practice of applying 9 bags of chemical fertilizer/ha, which yielded only 275 g/10 hills.Productive tillers and panicle length (length of inflorescence) were also significantly higher in the test crops compared with those in the farmers’ field. Productive tillers are the rice stems that bear panicles (rice inflorescence) with fertilized grains, while longer rice panicle is associated with producing more rice grains.Carrageenan is an indigestible polysaccharide (carbohydrate) extracted from edible seaweeds. It is mainly used as thickener or stabilizer in the food industry or as a binding agent for domestic products such as toothpaste and shampoo, and in many biotechnology and pharmaceutical products. Results of studies conducted by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PNRI) showed that when polysaccharide is subjected to modified irradiation technology can be an effective growth promoter. At a very small dose, CPGR is an effective organic fertilizer. Researchers from UPLB-NCPC also found CPGR as inducer of resistance against rice’s major pests.CPGR offers an array of benefits, e.g., it makes the rice stem stronger thus, improves rice resistance to lodging; it is compatible with farmers’ practice on fertilizer application thus, giving higher grain yield potential; it promotes resistance to rice tungro virus and bacterial leaf blight. Moreover, it has no harmful effects on natural enemies or beneficial insects and arthropods and thus environment-friendly.This collaborative program implemented by the DOST-PNRI, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and UPLB-NCPC is being funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the DOST (DOST-PCAARRD).ByMarita A. Carlos, DOST-PCAARRD S&T Media Service

In a tropical country like ours, fruits unavailable to western nations come abundantly and without much effort in our nutrient- enriched and sun-drenched soil. Fruits like the Philippine mango, pineapple, and papaya are just a few of the many highly valued fruits imported by other countries from the Philippines. Export demands continue to increase due to this; however, local demands fall quite short behind. mabolo

Thus, a call to patronize our own produce has been raised by Agriculture (Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, “We should encourage and lead by example, and urge our young people to love Pinoy fruits.” There’s nothing wrong with appreciating imported fruits as long as we do the same for our own. Start today, start with mabolo.MaboloThe mabolo fruit (Diospyros blancoi) is also known as the Philippine persimmon, velvet apple or butter fruit (in Singapore). This fruit grows from the Kamagong tree which is native to the Philippines. Indigenous to forestlands in low or medium altitudes in the country, the Kamagong tree is mainly used for furniture and specialty wood products. While the tree is known around the world for its wood, its fruit, mabolo, deserves a bit more attention.The Kamagong tree can reach up to 20 meters high, depending on variety. The velvety skin of mabolo buds comes in a shade of green, to brown and then to a dull magenta when ripened. The short hairs on the skin of the fist-sized fruit may cause irritation in the mouth when eaten or to sensitive skin when in contact, but the flesh of the fruit is free from irritants. A couple of wedge-shaped seeds sit at the center of the whitish pulpy meat of the fruit in some varieties, although most are seedless. Mabolo emits a strong cheese-like scent that is somewhat unpleasant but lessens when peeled.The Kamagong is considered a highly productive tree. Apart from the trunk and the mabolo fruit, the leaves and barks prove to be as useful. Among Philippine indigenous cultures, its leathery oblong leaves are used to treat skin irritation such as eczema, respiratory diseases like coughs and even fever. Both leaves and bark are also believed to be antidotes for snakebites in some tribes; unripe mabolo is also used as remedy for dysentery, diarrhea, hypertension and heart disorders. Mabolo contains vitamins and minerals, specifically calcium, iron, protein and vitamin B making it a healthful food.Mabolo Possibilities in the PhilippinesKamagong is among the tree species abundant in the Philippines. Kamagong wood is one of the principal materials used in crafting furniture around the country and is even exported. One of the most expensive of wood materials, Kamagong wood darkens as it ages making it a favorite for antique collectors. However, popular as this wood may be, it is not the case for its fruit, Mabolo.Folkloric usage of Mabolo suggest that the juice of an unripened Mabolo is natural treatment for diarrhea and first aid treatment for wounds, while other parts such as bark, leaves, and roots are useful in treating respiratory diseases and skin ailments such as eczema.Scientific research on the fruit dating as far back as the 1980s boasts not only of the nutritional and medicinal value of the fruit, but also of its biofuel potential. Numerous scientific research show that compared to commercial gasoline, biofuel from mabolo emits lower amounts of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Proven as effective as alcohol fuel, this ethanolic extract is highly profitable as the tree is endemic to the country, and propagation is uncomplicated.A major purpose of initiatives in agriculture and fisheries R&D is to advance the achievement of food self-sufficiency in the country. Underutilized fruits and vegetables endemic to the country offer immeasurable potential once propagation, postharvest techniques, and value adding are uncovered through R&D. Further exploring the possibilities of Mabolo not only provides another promising food source, but also adds another viable inexpensive source of biofuel.--------- Sources: 1. Bautista, N. 2012. A Delicious Fruit for the Holiday Season. Manila Bulletin Online, 4 December 2012. 2. Morton, J. 1987. Fruits of Warm Climates. Julia F. Morton, Miami, FL. 3. Philippine Alternative Medicine. 2012. Philippine Medicinal Plants: Mabolo. Retrieved 10 January 2013, from http://www.philippinealternativemedicine/herbaltherapy/velvetapple.htmBy: Zuellen B. Reynoso BAR Digest October-December 2012 Issue (Vol. 14 No. 4)

The name wouldn't probably catch one's attention but the plant really attracts. The fish-tail fern (Microsorium punctatum L.)is a natural mutant of the species commonly called the "climbing bird's nest fern" and is common to countries like Africa, Asia and Polynesia. The fern was given the name because the leaves or fronds are crested or forked resembling the tail of a fish.

In the Philippines, fish-tail fern is commonly grown as pot plants for indoor use. The sturdy fronds (a large lead divided into many thin sections that is found on many flowerless plants especially ferns and palms) and long vase life of this plant make it a high potential for cut foliage. The popularity of the fish-tail fern has slowly flourished since its introduction to Europe through Netherlands. Thus, production of the fish-tail fern in a commercial-scale opens for both the local and foreign markets. It will not only meet the growing demand for this plant both local and foreign but also provides additional livelihood opportunities to growers.

How to grow one

Just like any regular plant, the fish-tail fern is not difficult to grow. While naturally this is an epiphyte (a plant that grows on top of or is supported by another plant) by nature, the cultivated form can be grown in plots or beds and containers in a variety of rooting media.A recommended medium is the mixture of compost (can be humus, coconut coir dust, rotted or burnt rice hull or rotted ground corn cob) and garden soil to improve the drainage and nutrient composition. Some growers add course river sand. Other materials used are charcoal, saw dusts, wood shavings, coconut husks, fern roots and adobe.The fish-tail fern are shade-loving plants and do not require much space since they can be placed beneath hanging plants or under benches where other plants grow. In open areas, it is best that the plant be covered with layers of fish net to minimize the effect of sunlight. A 70% shade is ideal but it may vary depending on the climatic condition of an area and the age of the plant. Too much exposure to full sunlight damages the leaves causing scorching or sunscalding.The fish-tail ferns need to be watered everyday. Sprinklers or water hoses are ideal for misting the ferns. This kind of irrigation leaves undissolved salts on the forked apex of the fern. During wet seasons, less watering is advised if the plant is infected with sclerotium (a fungal infection characterized by a compact hard mass that contains stored food) rot or other diseases.

How to propagate the fern

There are two ways of propagating the fish-tail fern: either by rhizome (a thick horizontal stem that produces roots and has shoots that develop into new plants) or spores (a small, usually one-cell reproductive structure produced by seedless plants like ferns). Traditionally, growers propagate the fish-tail fern by rhizome. The rhizomes are divided during replanting and re-potting when the fronds are already overcrowded. According to growers, a high percentage survival and fast growth is best achieved when the propagation is done during the rainy season. Meanwhile, propagation by spores is employed after mature spore masses are collected from the healthy fronds and sowed on sterilized medium for germination. With a very high relative humidity, the young plant may take its form as early as 12 days after sowing but generally form only after 45 days.

How to sustain the plant

To ensure a healthy growth, fertilization is necessary. Growers can apply a diluted solution of complete fertilizer at least once a month. If foliar fertilizer is prepared as a weak solution, spraying on the fronds can also be done even on a weekly basis provided that it is applied early in the morning or late afternoon after watering the fronds.Some growers use organic fertilizer as foliar spray. As top dressing or additive to the medium used, others use the well-decomposed animal manure or compost.

How to keep the fern disease- and pest-free

White louse scale and midrib borer are two of the major pests common in fish-tail fern. The white louse scale endangers the plants by producing light green to yellowish spots or specks that eventually turn brown on its fronds. This could be fatal to the plant especially with high infestation.Meanwhile, the midrib borers produce a tunnel on the midrib of the fern that could result to wilting of affected fronds. Blackening of the midrib and accumulation of excreta (insect wastes) at the opening of the tunnel indicate the infestation. To control white louse scale, maintain a clean culture, and keep the plant free from weeds. Also, spraying the underside of the fronds with a mixture of dissolved detergent, dissolved lime and hot pepper can minimize the infestation. To control the midrib borer, apply systemic insecticides on the infected plant or leaves. Spraying must be done according to the manufacturer's recommendation and should be avoided during hot weather to prevent chemical burns.Other pests include giant African snails, bush snails and slugs. They feed on the fronds, upper stem and soft rhizome, and roots. Most growers would just handpick these scumbugs as an economical way of controlling them, but these can be controlled more effectively by using metaldehyde baits or by placing deadly traps around the growing area.As to diseases, leaf blight or leaf spot is a common disease of fish-tail fern. It is characterized by spots on the leaf and the rotting of the basal portion of the fronds that could spread easily if not prevented immediately. To avoid the spread of the disease, infected plants must be kept in a dry place and separated from the healthy plants. If the infected plant worsen, it must be disposed by burning. It is also recommended that sterilized potting medium be used to avoid further infection to other healthy plants.

--------------------------------------- For more information, please contact Dr. Teresita L. Rosario and Mr. Fernando B. Aurigue of the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna with telephone numbers (049) 536-2227 or fax (049) 536-2478.)

By: Rita T. dela Cruz, BAR Digest, October-December 2001 Issue (Vol. 3 No. 4)

Cassava Production Guide for Beginners

Cassava can be a long term plant, from six months to two years depending upon the use it is intended for. Although this grows anywhere that the soil is loose and not water logging, and rich, farmers do not care much for it. Many are still unaware that besides being second to rice among crops, cassava is valuable in industry. From cassava, alcohol, glucose, solvents explosives, animal feed, fertilizers, energy and others are derived.[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] cassava production photo

Photo by Jacqui1948

[/caption]There are many kinds of cassava that are well adapted to our climate, but only four of these are common because of their low hydrocyanic acid content. There are Golden Yellow, Katabang, Macan and Brasil. Two others used in the manufacture of starch are the Hawaiian 5 and Java Brown. The Mandioca Sao Pedro Preto is not edible because of its high poison content.

Cassava Production

Planting* Cassava may be planted at any season, but it is better if the soil is always wet in the first 4-5 weeks after planting. * The stem to be planted must be from a matured plant, about a year old, 25 cm long with 5-7 nodes from the bottom stem. The thickness of the stem must not be smaller than half of the fattest part of the stem from where it is cut. If the stem is smaller than this, it will not have much nutrient content with which to start the new plant, so the roots and growths will be small. * Cut the stem crosswise with a sharp bolo. Avoid bruises and breaks, and plant within the week when the stems are cut. * The stems to be planted can last up to 10 days if these are wrapped in a wet cloth or sack and placed in any airy and shady place. If it is not possible to plant immediately, these will still grow within a month if it is sprayed with any of the following before storage: Orthocide or Daconil, Manzate, Dithane, Demosan, Brassicol, Visigran, or Agallol. * It should be stored in a shady, humid or cool place with temperature between 20-30°C.Land PreparationLike any land preparation for planting, plow the land to remove weeds and grasses. Let it stand for a week to allow the remaining weeds to grow, then plow again. Let it stand for another week and plow for the third time.Make hills about 75 cm apart from one another, depending on the kind to be planted.With the help of a pointed stick, make a hole about 18 cm deep in each hill where the stems are to be planted, one in each hole. Plant early in the morning or late afternoons during summer or any time when the sun is cool.Three methods of planting cassavaa. horizontal -- during summer so that the plant will be kept moist. b. vertical -- during rainy days so that it will not rot if constantly wet. c. slanting -- between the two seasons mentioned.In planting, unless the stem is horizontal, bury 3/4 of the stem in the soil, and cover the 1/4 with 10 cm fine soil.After a month, other short term crops may be planted in between the cassava plants. But if the other plants will be as high as the cassava as they grow, they can be planted at the same time.When applying fetilizers for a second time, hill up around the plants, as in corn fertilizing. Cassava needs watering, especially in the first two months of its growth, when the root crop is beginning to grow.Fertilizer As much as possible, the soil where the cassava is to be planted should be analyzed at the Bureau of Soils. However, if this is not possible, the following may be used:+100+120 NPK mix or about 222 kg urea 45-0-0 500 kg solophos (0-20-0) 200 kg muriate of potash (0-0-60)Apply half of the N.P.K. on planting and the remaining half about two months afterwards.Always remove the weeds, but when the plants are two months old, don't till any more because the growing roots (fruits) could be hurt. About three months after planting, gramoxone herbicide could be used to control weeds.Pests Malathion or Servin may be sprayed on insects pests, but the bigger enemies are the rats and pigs. To control the yellowing and eventual falling of leaves, spray demothoate 3 spoons for every (kerosene) can of water, or follow the instructions on the label.Spray every 2-4 weeks. But the best measure against insect pests are the natural pesticides like the mixture of wild pepper, makabuhay and the like.Harvest Cassava may be harvested 10-14 months after planting. Try first a few roots'. If the rest of the crops don't grow any more, then it is time to harvest. Plow the field or carefully pull up the crops manually. Cassava is sold fresh or dried as flakes. Wash well, peel and shred, then dry.Harvest and Storage of Cassava Cassava is ready for harvest from six to seven months after planting. This is sweet if harvested at the right age, but premature, it is tasteless and rots easily. When over mature, it will have harbored mold (bukbok) and/or will be eaten by pests, and the fibers will be tough.* Don't harvest just after a rain or when the soil is wet. The crops will rot easily and it will be difficult to clean off the soil around it. * If the soil is compact, loosen it first with a pointed wooden stick, not metal, so as not to bruise, or hurt the crop. * Pull up the whole plant gently, with all its root crop. Don't drag so as not to bruise, which will cause the start of rotting. * In separating the crop from the stem, don't just break it off. Use a sharp knife for cutting closest to the stem. * Don't leave the crops exposed under the sun but in the shade. * Separate the small ones from the large ones, and the damage from the undamaged or unhurt. Cook soon those with damage or bruises as these will be the first to rot, or use the damaged crops and the small ones as animal feed. The good ones and matured may be stored or sold.StorageThere are two easy of storing cassava that enables it to last 3-4 months. This is by keeping them in a hole in the ground, or by storing the crops in a wooden box. In transporting the crops from the field to the storage place, put them in a firm container (like a basket not sack) so as to avoid bruises that will eventually cause rotting.A. Storage in the Ground* In an elevated and shady place, where one side is lower than the other and does not log water, dig a hole about 30-40 cm deep, one meter long (or depending on the amount of crops to be stored), and about one meter wide. This can contain about 75 kilos of crops. Digging should be downward. At the end of the down end, make a canal about 20 cm wide crosswise and deeper by about 7 cm than the big hole, where the water will run when it rains. * Arrange the mature crops and without bruises in the hole. * Cover with soil (better if sand) every layer. * If sand is not available, clay may be used, but not very wet, because this will hasten the rotting of the stored crops.B. Storage in a Wooden Box* The storage box must be made of wood, about one-half meter wide, 60 cm long and 30 cm high. This can accommodate about 20 kg of cassava packed in sand or wood shavings. The box must have its own cover. * Fill the bottom of the box with 3 cm thick moist (not wet) sand or wood shavings. * Arrange the crops one beside the other and cover with moist sand or wood shavings. * After each layer of crops, cover with sand or shavings. * Cover the last layer with about 8-9 cm thick of same before putting on the lid. * Store the box with cassava in a cool and dry place. * Do not place directly on the ground, and stack up alternately so as to allow circulation of air between them.This manner of storage will keep the crops up to 3 months.When is cassava poisonous?There are two kinds of cassava: the sweet and the bitter kinds. The ordinary kind sold in the market is the sweet kind, and the one made into laundry starch is the bitter kind.The manner of planting, whether horizontal or upside down has nothing to do with its poison. Cassava naturally contains hydrocyanic acid, which is poison to both man and animal. The bitter kind contains more of the poison, but both kinds have it.In the sweet kind, the poison is concentrated on the bark or skin of the crop, not so much on the flesh or meat. In the bitter kind, the poison is spread out on whole crop.Weather and environment also have something to do with the cassava's poison content. When there is much nitrogen in the soil, there is more poison in the cassava where potassium in the soil is high, the poison in the cassava is low.A long dry season increases the cassava's poison content: wet soil as during the rainy season lowers its poison content. Because of this, it is said that cassava contains poison in Summer.According to scientists, cassava's poison contains more or less 30-150 mg of hydrocyanic acid (a milligram is one part of a thousand grams). If the hydrocyanic acid content is less than 50 mg it will not be harmful to eat. If it will exceed 100 mg. the poison content could be dangerous.In the ordinary way of cooking, the poison disappears in the sweet kind but in the bitter kind, about 20 mg per kilo remains in the fresh peeled cassava.According to experts, the amount of hydrocyanic acid in cassava is poisonous from one-half mg (.5 mg) up to 3.5 mg per kilo of the person eating the cassava. Thus, a person who weighs 50 kilos will be poisoned if he consumes one and one-fourth (1 1/4) kilo of bitter cassava. When his stomach begins to ache and he starts vomiting, or his mind becomes confused after eating cassava, then he has been poisoned.The poison in cassava disappears during cooking, so, cooking cassava as suman is a safe way of eating cassava. Besides, suman preparation entails removal of bark, grating, extracting the juice, before cooking. Grating and extracting the juice already removes the poison, and it is further evaporated during cooking.Other ways of removing the poison in cassava are: chopping, soaking in water, heating up to 57°C, and exposing in the sun. It is best not just to steam it but to cook it well. Even the bitter kind loses its poison when cooked well.But it is always better to buy the sweet kind. This is known if, upon removal of the bark, the flesh is sweet. The meat of the sweet cassava tastes sweet!Sources: Greenfields November 1982; Greenfields December 1980; PRIS Extension Bulletin, Dept. of Agriculture No. 1 English 1986

Soil less agriculture is now possible with hydroponics. Using only a mineral nutrient solution, water can now be a medium to grow crops. As the concept of “grow-your-own-food” has become viable in this time and age, the technology is appropriate particularly in an urban setting wherein the lack of space and soil is a problem.[caption id="attachment_6283" align="alignnone" width="399"]

Vermiculite[/caption]Aside from hydroponics, another technology that introduces the use of minimal amount of soil and space is the vermiculite. The topic was discussed in a seminar sponsored by the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) held on 28 February 2013.Mr. Patrick M. Rocamora, president of Tree Care and Maintenance Services Foundation, Inc. (Tree Care), served as the resource person discussing the use of vermiculite-based, low-spaced soil less growing medium in the promotion of urban gardening.Vermiculite is a shiny, light brown colored naturally occurring mineral prominently used in construction, industrial, horticulture, and agriculture. Its dominant characteristic is that when subjected to heat, it can expand as much as 8-30 times its original size, thus, a good raw material for insulation. The major vermiculite mines are located in South Africa, China, Brazil, Zimbabwe, and United States. The premise of Rocamora’s presentation is the complementation of the vermiculite with urban gardening.Urban gardening was born out of the possibilities of growing crops and sustaining food source with limited space available. With emphasis on 3Rs (reuse-reduce-recycle), productive but economical gardening is possible using only container materials available in the locality such as tin cans, plastic tubs, used tires, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, etc.Urban gardening is made easier with the help of vermiculite. He pointed out that vermiculite can be utilized in agriculture as soilless culture medium and for faster seed germination. As it is lightweight, odorless, mould resistant, non-irritant, and non-toxic, it is safe and easy to use. He also enumerated the good characteristics of vermiculite that foster the healthy growth of plants such as having a neutral pH (7.0), improves soil aeration, helps in retaining moisture and the added nutrients to feed roots, and possesses useful cation exchange properties.Rocamora said that any plant which does not take too much space such as vegetables, flowering plants, fruit-bearing (grafted), medicinal plants, herbs and spices can be grown.Just adding a certain amount of vermiculite, aside from soil, sand, coconut coir, compost, sphagnum moss, and perlite can be utilized as culture media. Vermiculite alone can also be used as a culture medium. However, it is expensive as the vermiculite available in the country is still imported. A 20-kilogram (kg) vermiculite costs about PhP 1,200.This is why the Tree Care conducted an experiment to determine the right proportion of vermiculite that should be used. Using garden soil as the growing medium, it is found out that crops grow best using only 1/2 garden soil and 1/6 vermiculite compared to using the garden soil alone. With this result, the growers can save and still maximize the growth potentials of the crops.Tree Care is making the necessary steps to make vermiculite locally available in the market. They are planning to have a vermiculite exfoliation facility to accommodate the demand.BAR, seeing the potentials of the technology in promoting food production and proper nutrition to the youth, embarked on a collaborative project with Tree Care titled “Commercialization of Vermiculite-based Low-spaced Soil Less Growing Medium in the Promotion of Urban Gardening for Primary and Secondary Public Schools.” The project is piloted in selected primary and secondary public schools within the cities of CALABARZON.Tree Care is a professional arboricultural company offering services in proper tree care and other plant related maintenance. It was established in 2002 by forestry and agriculture experts and practitioners of the University of the Philippines Los Baños. ###--------- References: 1. United States Environment Protection Agency. (2012). Protect your family from asbestos-contaminated vermiculite. Retrieved 13 March 2013 from http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/vermiculite.html 2. Vermiculite – what is it? (n.d.). Retrieved 13 March 2013 from http://www.vermiculite.org/what_is_vermiculite.php 3. Tree Care. (2013). Utilization of vermiculite-based low-spaced soil less growing medium in the promotion of urban gardening [PowerPoint slides].For more information regarding vermiculite and urban gardening, please contact the Tree Care office at (049) 536-0054 or through their email address: treecare@madecor.comby Diana Rose A. de Leon, www.bar.goc.ph

The most profitable agribusiness ideas in which you can invest including but not limited to crop cultivation, production and processing, aquaculture, animal health and feeds, agro-bio products, biotechnical service, energy-saving and ecological agro-production system.

Agribusiness is one of the most profitable businesses in the world. There are many ways on how you can make money in agribusiness industry.

Before you decide on what agribusiness idea to venture, it is important to have a clear business plan that includes market demand for the products and how to get them to your target market.

Here are the top 100 most profitable agribusiness ideas to invest

#1. Organic crop farming#2. Agro/ecotourism business#3. Herb and spices farming#4. Vegetable cultivation#5. Fruit trees cultivation#6. Organic produce retailing/ farmer's market vending#7. Organic cafe/restaurant#8. Pig breeding and farming#9. Fish farming#10. Multi plant seedling nursery#11. Herb store#12. Gardening/ landscaping tools and equipments shop#13. Livestock feed production#14. Organic fertilizer production#15. Poultry farming#16. Flour milling#17. Fruit juice, jam and jelly production#18. Landscaping and maintenance services#19. Poultry and livestock meat production#20. Dairy farming#21. Agricultural brokerage and consulting services#22. Egg hatchery production#23. Florist/ flower arranging business#24. Bee keeping and honey production#24. Nuts cultivation and processing#25. Rice cultivation and farming#26. Grains farming#27. Tea and coffee cultivation#28. Lawn care and yard maintenance#29. Insecticide, herbicide and pesticide production#30. Air fresheners and perfumes production#31. Fumigation and pest control services#32. Rubber mill and production#33. Coconut and palm oil farming#34. Sugarcane farming and production#35. Vermiculture and Vermicomposting#36. Agricultural products and supply shops#37. Dried and fresh flower shops#38. Flower cultivation and farming#39. Hydroponics retail store#40. Farming, gardening and landscaping tutorial services#41. Fruits and vegetable exporting business#42. Corn cultivation and farming#43. Greenhouse farming#44. Organic cosmetics production#45. Mobile organic food shops#46. Medicinal herb and root drink production#47. Organic food processing#48. Chicken egg production#49. Quail egg production#50. Mushroom farming#51. Garden arbors, pergola and trellis manufacturing services#52. Cactus farming#53. Solar power installation for farms#54. Beans production and farming#55. Local drinks production like homemade wines#56. Snail farming#57. Frog farming#58. Sheep and goat farming#59. Fruit, vegetable and herb candy production#60. Online shops for farmers and buyers#61. Online forum/ site for farmers and other agribusiness entrepreneurs#62. Frozen chicken meat production#63. Fruit, vegetable and herb preserve production#64. Organic bio-diesel production#65. Soil testing laboratory#66. Local food/ native delicacy shops#67. Pet bird breeding and farming#68. Cattle farming#69. Agricultural loan center for small scale farmers#70. Chicken coop / poultry house production#71. Soya bean drink production#72. Wheat grass cultivation#73. Spirulina farming - used as food supplement#74. Quality seed plant shop#75. Aquarium fish and aquatic plants farming#76. Farm machinery/ equipments repair and maintenance#77. Creative artworks and crafts production#78. Ornamental bamboo farming#79. Ornamental pet fish breeding#80. Bonsai farming#81. Orchid cultivation and farming#82. Eco tour travel agency#83. Animal feeds, vitamins, and other animal supply shop#84. Animal pet clinic#85. Pet grooming and cafe business#86. Rare and unusual plants cultivation and farming#87. Vineyard farming#88. Pet shop#89. Game fowl breeding and specialty shop#90. Pond installation and maintenance service#91. Pet wearables and fashion clothing shop#92. Shellfish farming#93. Farm equipments and supply shop#94. Oil extraction from coconut, palm oil and other seed nuts#95. Agri trade fairs, expo and event organizing business#96. Tree trimming and removal services#97. Bakery business#98. Cotton farming#99. Butterfly farming#100. Fly maggot farming - breeding fly maggots as a free source of high-quality protein for chicken farms and aquaculture plants.

Yellow corn plays a vital role in animal nutrition. It is one of the most important feed grains in feed milling and accounts for 50-60% of the total mixed feed ration. About 90 percent of yellow corn produced is used as feed for swine and poultry. It is a primary source of energy supplement and can contribute up to 30% protein, 60% energy and 90% starch in an animal’s diet (Dado, 1999). However, it is deficient in two essential amino acids: lysine and tryptophan, which are the limiting amino acids in swine and poultry diets. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] corn photo

Photo by Muffet

[/caption] QPM or quality protein maize was developed to produce maize of high nutritional quality not only for human but for animal consumption as well. Its lysine content is 30% more than normal corn and tryptophan, 55% more. It is therefore claimed as a better animal feed than normal corn because of its well-balanced protein composition. By 2020, the growth of swine and poultry industry is likely to increase at a rate of 0.67 and 3.24%, respectively. Thus, demand for feed, particularly yellow corn, is also expected to increase. Yellow corn will definitely play a major role and use of quality protein maize (QPM) is seen to be a potential boost to the productivity of these industries that can ultimately increase competitiveness of the livestock industry. Several studies have indicated that QPM has potentials as feedstuff for swine and poultry. The amino acids in QPM are more than the amount present in normal maize. Inclusion of QPM in the diet reduces the amount of protein supplement and thus the cost of diet. This was indicated by lower inclusion rate of soybean oil meal in the diet by about 5.8%. In a previous study implemented by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), researchers have developed QPM variety with an average yield of 6.41 mt/ha at five locations in Luzon which was higher by 1.26% than the standard variety. However, yield obtained in Nueva Ecija was only 4.0 mt/ha. This showed that QPM cultivars were superior over the normal maize varieties planted in the country, whose average yield was only 3.82 mt/ha (BAS, 2011). Promising two high-yielding and stable QPM hybrids with yield ranging from 6.85-7.46 mt/ha had been identified by the University of Southern Mindanao. Considering these inconsistencies in yield, there is a need to do further testing to validate the actual performance of QPM in other agro-ecological zones. The current program on QPM entitled, Enhancing Quality Protein Maize (QPM) Production, Storage and Utilization as Feed Grain that is being funded and monitored by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), aims to provide high-yielding QPM hybrids with enhanced protein quality, established planting density and fertilizer requirement, and improved shelf life. This is a multi-agency program being implemented by the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Central Mindanao University (CMU), and Central Luzon State University (CLSU). Seven experimental hybrids were formed consisting of four three-way cross and three single cross hybrids. Analyses had shown that a significant interaction between genotype and location was noted which indicates that QPM hybrids differed in their yield when grown in various locations. Yield ranged from 4,331 to 9,350 kg/ha across locations. A variation due to genotype was found insignificant. However, variation due to location was observed significant. Based on the proximate analysis made, four out of the seven experimental hybrids formed, had high protein content with a crude protein (CP) content ranging from 8.3% to as high as 11.01%. The program on QPM is one of the many R&D undertakings supported by PCAARRD in response to its commitment to Outcome One. Being the frontrunner of the eight major outcomes of DOST, Outcome One seeks to provide science–based know-how and tools that will enable the agriculture sector to achieve global competitiveness. by Marites R. Dayo, DOST-PCAARRD S&T Media Service

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] fruit basket photo

Photo by charlywkarl

[/caption] How to Delay the Ripening of Fruits According to researchers at the UP Los Baños, the ripening of fruits can be delayed from one to two weeks under the following conditions. 1. Don't pick the fruits very soon. Trees have a natural way of retarding the ripening of fruits. 2. Take care not to bruise the fruits in picking, transporting or changing containers. It is in these ways that microorganisms enter the fruits and causes rotting to start and lose weight. 3. Ripe fruits give off ethylene, a kind of gas that hastens ripening. Don't put together ripe and raw fruits. 4. Don't put together healthy and non-healthy fruits. Non-healthy fruits give off much ethylene. 5. Don't expose the fruits in the sun. This hastens ripening. 6. Keep the fruits away from heat given off by motor or machine. They also give off ethylene gas. 7. Ripening is slow in low temperatures. If no refrigerator is available, put the fruits in the coolest possible place. 8. If a refrigerator is available, put the fruits in a plastic bag with small holes. 9. Put charcoal soaked in potassium permanganate or small pieces of cement or perlite in containers with fruits. Source: Farming Today April 1982

Pole sitao is also known as long-podded cowpea, asparagus bean, snake bean, or Chinese long bean. In other dialects it is known as dau gokin Cantonese, thua fak yao in Thai and kacang panjang in Indonesian and Malay, sitawin Tagalog, utong in Ilokano, latoy in Ilonggo, bora in the West Indies, and vali or eeril in Goa, India. The pods of this crop are about half a yard long, despite what the name suggests; the subspecies, sesquipedalis (one-and-a-half-foot-long), is rather an exact approximation of the pods' length.

Thinking just how famous pole sitao or simply sitao is? It is the fifth mentioned vegetable in one of the most popular children’s songs in the Philippines, the “Bahay Kubo”. This climbing herbaceous plant is also an ingredient of the original yummy Ilocano dish, pinakbet or mixed veggies with bagoong and some meat chunks and cooked to perfection. Pole sitao is a great source of fiber and a variety of nutrients such as protein, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, iron, phosphorus, and potassium, and is a very good source for vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and manganese. In a 100g serving size of pole sitao there are 47 calories, 0 grams of total fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 4 mg sodium (0 percent daily value), 8 grams of total carbohydrates (2 percent daily value), and 3 grams of protein (5 percent daily value). There is also 17 percent DV vitamin A, 2 percent DV iron, 31 percent DV vitamin C, and 5 percent DV calcium. (Percent daily values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Individual daily values may be higher or lower depending on individual calorie needs.) The Bureau of Agricultural Research annually conducts the National Research Symposium (NRS) to promote the best products of agriculture and fisheries R&D and to give due recognition to outstanding researchers and scientists in agriculture and fisheries through the AFMA Research Paper Award. Through the NRS, BAR aims to identify and disseminate significant information on new technological breakthroughs that would improve the agriculture and fisheries R&D sector. In 2012, the paper titled, “Development of Organic Varieties of Pole Sitao (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp.subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdc.)”, won the silver award in the 24th NRS. The study basically employs breeding, segregation and pedigree selection of pole sitao. An added factor which makes it more unique and remarkable is that the breeding work is geared for organic agriculture. The study is led by Rodel G. Maghirang, Gloria S. Rodulfo, Fatima Amor M. Tenorio, and Maria Emblem O. Grulla from the Institute of Plant Breeding- University of the Philippines Los Baños (IPB-UPLB), and Milagros Cacal of the Palawan Agricultural Center of the Palawan Agricultural Experiment Station (PAES). It sought to address the problems of low vigor, vulnerability to pests and diseases which all lead to yield losses. Eventually, the group succeeded in producing pole sitao cultivars that outperformed the existing varieties. Plant breeding is basically the art and science of changing the genetics of plants in order to produce desired characteristics; it is the deliberate manipulation of plant species in order to achieve desired genotypes and phenotypes for specific purposes (Sleper, 1995). Meanwhile, FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission defined organic agriculture as “a holistic production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It emphasizes the use of management practices in preference to the use of off-farm inputs, taking into account that regional conditions require locally adapted systems. This is accomplished by using, where possible, agronomic, biological, and mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic materials, to fulfill any specific function within the system." Those two terms guided the development of the new cultivars of pole sitao by the team of Dr. Maghirang. The main objective of the study is to select, breed and recommend pole sitao varieties that perform well under organic agriculture conditions. The specific objectives include the production of varieties that are suitable to this specific environment in comparison to the existing commercial variety and to evaluate and recommend the varieties for organic agriculture. The study was conducted in experimental stations and on-farm. Under a DA-BAR funded project in 1999, the performance evaluation of pole sitao under organic conditions was initially done. In 2005 this was followed by hybridization and pedigree selection under organic conditions. Cultural management aspects such as minimal weeding and minimal pest control measures, and the use of composted manures and compost materials for soil health and fertilization were carried out for the organic agriculture environment. Further breeding, segregation and pedigree selection until F6 (6th filial generation) of pole sitao that will perform better under organic conditions than the recommended commercial variety were done. Ten F6 lines were assessed and compared to a commercial check variety (Sandigan) using established parameters for selection such as vigor, earliness, pod quality and acceptability, pest and disease resistance, storability, and yield under a two-season trial. In summary, the results of the study show that breeding under organic conditions resulted to the selection of potential organic varieties of pole sitao. Among the entries, 10116-1-1-0-0, 0801-5-1-1-0, 10421-0-0 and 1096-1-1-0-0 outperformed the check variety, Sandigan, with total yields of 25.26t/ha, 25.19t/ha, 24.9t/ha, and 26.19t/ha for the first trial, respectively; and total yields of 15.31t/ha, 19.39t/ha, 17.6t/ha, and 18.07t/ha, respectively for the second trial. Additionally, these lines are moderately to highly resistant to pest and diseases, have good storability, and acceptable pod qualities. Under an initial on-farm trial in Palawan, the two preferred entries, 10421-0-0 and 1096-1-1-0-0, both had high yields and good pod qualities. Yes, it is a malignant truth and it’s not new to our ears that some vegetable producers apply synthetic pesticides and fertilizers excessively with the worst case scenario being that the fruits and pods are dipped in a container containing a mixture of those chemicals to “improve their crops’ yield and growth performance” but sacrificing the health of unaware consumers in the process. However, with this development in organic pole sitao, we are one step closer to a healthier and safer choice. ### ----------

For more information, please contact Dr. Rodel G. Maghirang, Vegetables and Legumes Section, Institute of Plant Breeding, University of the Philippines Los Baños through telephone no. (049) 576-0089, mobile: 09157400788 or email: rgmaghr@yahoo.com

References: 1. http://www.bar.gov.ph/agfishtech-home/crops/207-vegetables/1298-polesitao 2. Sleper and Poehlman. 1995. Breeding Field Crops. Maghirang, RG, Rodulfo GS, Tenorio FAM, Cacal M and Grulla MEO. Development of Organic Varieties of Pole Sitao (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp.subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdc.). Vegetables and Legumes Section, Institute of Plant Breeding- Crop Science Cluster, College of Agriculture, University of the Philippines Los Baños

Source: Wilson G. Viloria II, BAR Digest April-June 2013 Issue (Vol. 15 No.2)

Mina-angan, hungduan, ulikan, jekot, diket, and tinawon—they can be mistaken as names of people but they’re not. They are actually varieties of heirloom rice from the Cordillera region which are now making a niche in the export market and are heading their way in the United States through the efforts of the Department of Agriculture (DA). According to reports, the US-bound heirloom rice is considered “a milestone in the government’s effort to expand markets for premium varieties and promote the rich cultural heritage attached to it.” Exporting Cordillera’s premium rice will not only provide a bright spot in the world market but will also help sustain the status of rice terraces as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Preserving a taste, protecting a heritage – this is how the rice growers in Cordillera want the heirloom rice production to be recognized in the world. According to Marilyn Sta. Catalina, director of the DA-Regional Field Unit in the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR), who represented Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala during the ceremonial send-off on 20 September 2013 at the Manila International Container Terminal, “more than profit, we are promoting the rich Cordilleran cultural heritage through this export.” She added that the grains represent the best in the Cordilleras, notably the industry and ingenuity of its people, as they are organically grown, and manually harvested and pounded to perfection. Fifteen metric tons of organic heirloom rice, worth P870 thousand, were sent to the US. These were composed of three varieties: 10 tons of “mina-angan” from Banaue and “hungduan” from Ifugao, and 5 tons of “ulikan” from Pasil and Lubuagan in Kalinga. The volume of premium rice was consolidated by the Rice Terraces Farmers Cooperative (RTFC), in cooperation with Rice Inc. Eighth Wonder Inc, a non-government organization based in the US that helps market products from the Cordillera’s rice terraces. DA has been facilitating RTFC’s export to the US through Eight Wonder Inc. since 2005. The 15 metric tons premium rice is part of the 27.6 metric tons that the Philippines will send to the US this year, which was bought from the 272 farmers from the three mountain provinces.The remaining 12.6 metric tons is currently undergoing organic fumigation at the Philippine Rice Institute (PhilRice) laboratory in Nueva Ecija. This procedure is in compliance with the strict US sanitary and phytosanitary requisites for importation. To date, shipments of various heirloom varieties to the US has totaled to 97 tons, including the 24.4 tons valued at P1.3 million in 2012. Among the heirloom varieties exported were: “Mountain Violet” of Mountain Province, unoy or “jekot” and ulikan” red grains of Kalinga, and tinawon, “fancy rice” and “diket” of Ifugao. To assist the upland farmers in sustaining its production, DA has embarked on various initiatives to preserve organic farming practices in northern Philippine regions and expand overseas markets for indigenous rice varieties. Part of this initiative is the funding and supporting of various research and development initiatives on organic farming in the Cordillera region through its Commuity-based Participatory Action Research (CPAR). Sustaining heirloom rice with CPAR Heirloom rice is a special kind of indigenous rice that has been planted by the ancestors of Ifugao and other upland tribes. It is colored glutinous rice that possesses outstanding quality, aroma, texture, color (red, purple or violet), taste, and nutritional value. Most importantly, the heirloom rice varieties in the Rice Terraces are organically-grown. These qualities made the harvest very appealing not only to local consumers but also to foreign buyers. One of the most popular among these varieties is Tinawon (local name which literally means “once a year”). True to its name, tinawon is the first rice variety of rice that was widely grown in the Rice Terraces and is grown only once a year. To sustain this indigenous gem that is thriving in the Cordillera region, BAR supported the tinawon production through a CPAR project. Initiated in 2011, it aims to increase the production of tinawon to supplement the export volume of heirloom rice in the US and to sustain the needs of the farmers. Through the CPAR project, farmers were introduced to various R&D interventions on organic production without compensating the increase in yields. They were taught on using bio-organic and foliar fertilizers, early transplanting, and proper distancing. Dr. Catherine Buenaventura, supervising agriculturist of Ifugao’s Provincial Agriculture Environment and Natural Resources Office (PAENRO) and CPAR project leader, said that these interventions led to a five percent increase in the production of tinawon rice during the first cycle alone. ###(Rita T. dela Cruz) Source and image: bar.gov.ph

Fifty-eight “lighthouse” schools have been put up in Region 4A by the International Institute for Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) which teaches K-12 pupils gardening as a reliable solution to malnutrition that can be prevalent among schoolchildren.

The IIRR has proven that the lighthouse schools in its Gardening and Nutrition Education with School-based Supplementary Feeding (GARNESUPP) is a viable way to source food right from one’s garden.

It made these gardens the source of food for its feeding program for children in public schools in Region 4A or CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon).

Likewise, the gardens enlighten pupils and parents on nutrition education.

The program takes inspiration from Cornell University’s International Nutrition program. It uses nutrition education among children or parents as tool in mitigating malnutrition.

“Improved nutrition education has been one of the key factors to prevent 12,000 deaths a year worldwide,” according to the United Nations Millennium Campaign.

When one looks at the list of vegetables that IIRR teaches the schoolchildren to plant, he may doubt whether this battle for capturing pupils’ mind for agriculture can be won.

The vegetables are amaranth (kulitis), long-fruited jute (saluyot), Philippine spinach (talinum), horseradish (malunggay), rice bean (tapilan), cowpea (paayap), lima bean (patani), hyacinth bean (batao), ash/white gourd (kundol), pigeonpea (kadios), wiged bean (sigarilyas), and okra.

Thanks to IIRR farm experts as Dr. Julian Gonsalves, senior program advisor.

“We’re interested in influencing their thinking. We have a very powerful device to influence young people on basic environmental natural resource concepts. By growing indigenous vegetables through Bio-intensive gardening (BIG), you’re actually conserving our indigenous varieties for future use,” said Gonsalves.

Nourishment

The apparently more important role of this GARNESSUP lighthouse schools is the nourishment of children in public schools.

An IIRR study showed that “school-based supplementary feeding using produce from school gardens effectively improved nutritional status and reduced anemia rates.”

It noted a significant decrease in anemia prevalence from 20.8% to 4.2% in a group of children with feeding program using iron fortified rice compared to the children with ordinary rice and those that never had a feeding program at all.

Moreover, savings from the use of indigenous vegetables from school gardens in 6 months reached P8,851 and benefited 146 schoolchildren.

Schools studied were the Felipe Calderon Elem. School in Tanza, Cavite and the Gen. Aloha Elem School in Gen. Trias, Cavite.

The study was conducted with the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), International Development Research Centre, and the Department of Education.

DOST-FNRI noted in its National Nutrition Survey that 3.35 million children aged 4 and below were found undernourished under the MDG Philippine Progress Report 2010.

In 2013, a DOST-FNRI survey showed the number of underweight children age 5-10 years totalled 29%, children with stunting (low height for age), 29.9%, and those affected by wasting (low weight for height), 8.6%.

“These statistics are alarming and are very more disturbing when viewed at the household level,” said the IIRR.

BIG

BIG is a cost-saving, viable farming system for any poor community since it practically uses no expensive chemical fertilizer inputs, according to Emilita Monville Oro, IIRR country director.

The plots are dug deep—a foot deep– to allow root system of plants to reach nutrients and moisture under the soil. It makes room for water to be trapped under the soil --useful in both drought and flooding.

It conserves water. Deep dug beds loosen the soil and allow organic matter to thrive along with earthworms and beneficial bacteria.

“This is a living soil and gets better every year provided you don’t let it dry up and compact again in summer,” according to an IIRR primer.

Planting legumes (cowpea, rice bean) in deep dug plots keeps microbes alive, soil temperature low. It prevents weed growth.

In BIG, Kakawate trees are planted around the garden as perimeter wall and wind-breakers.

“Leaves of these nitrogen fixing trees (Kakawate) serve as source of green fertilizer. If trees are not planted on all four sides of the plot, we don’t have their cooling effects. The wind tends to dry the soil,” said IIRR.

Green leaves are used as fertilizer for the plots—enabling carbon storage unlike chemical fertilizers that contribute to greenhouse gas emission.

It relies on natural fertilizers such as decomposing stems and leaves from leftover harvested plants. The produce is rendered safe and free from pesticide residues.

Crop Museum

The GARNESUPP lighthouses perform another food security function – as crop museums.

“We are rapidly losing this agrobiodiversity because once lost, we can never regain these important heritage varieties. Crop museums serve as living gene banks,” said Oro.

The crop museum enhances intra-species diversity, such as in having different kinds of sweet potato. This reduces risks from crop failure that becomes more frequent in climate change due to rising temperature that causes increase in pest and diseases.

Most of these indigenous vegetables such as patani and bataw are drought tolerant. These are not bought from seed companies; planting them is the best way to conserve them.

When these are lost, it is the poor who spends 50% of their earnings for food alone, who suffer the most. They resort to cheaper but less nutritious crops.

Crop museums are relished for their educational worth— a showcase of nutritionaly relevant and climate hardy plant species—trees, shrubs, root and tuber crops, vines, and short-season annual crops.

These are nurseries -- source of planting materials. Mother plants are preserved there.

“School gardens are a repository for our vanishing genetic resources heritage the same way as a museum helps conserve valuable artifacts.”

Crop museums of IIRR require at least 200 square meters, should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight with good water and drainage system. Accession numbers are provided by the supervising teacher for plant entries.

Propagation using cuttings are done in the museum. Only seeds from healthy plants are harvested and distributed. Seeds should be dried properly for 3-4 hours in 4-5 days, avoiding midday scorching heat as extreme heat can kill the seed.

Crop museums are also responsible to train teachers.

Seed exchanges are facilitated between schools and other institutions in order to store and preserve more plant species.

Recipes

The GARNESSUP lighthouse gardens are used too as tool for teaching culinary arts and Filipino food and crop culture.

GARNESSUP is from planting to feeding. It has developed recipes relished by many – kids and adults, CALABARZON natives or guests alike.

The recipes using these indigenous vegetables are surprisingly delicious.

The list on their menu includes Maca-kulitis soup, Spaghetting with malunggabi balls, Ginatan kadyos, Monggo Congee, Kamote Buchi Surprise, Kamote Palitaw, Monggo BananaBalls, Kadpilan arroz caldo con, Arroz lamang ugat con kulitis, Tahong with cassava and malunggay, Misua, patola, and kulitis, squash siomai, Muskadsilog, andGisadong Talinum at Galunggong.

With its success in raising public schoolchildren’s nutritional status, IIRR recommends the following:

· Nutrition education among children can be delivered through the classroom teaching approach; however, this should be conducted in an intensive and attractive manner in order to capture the interest of children.

· The quality of teaching efforts needs to be improved via training support if this delivery model is to be scaled-up.

· The regular conduct of nutrition education among parents during PTA (Parent Teacher Association) meetings and other appropriate opportunities should be given due attention. Parents play a significant role in the improvement of the children’s nutritional status. (Growth Publishing for IIRR)

Ginger can be grown in sandy loam, clay loam, and lateritic soils, provided that the soil is at least 30 cm. deep and there is enough rainfall and good drainage in the area.

Guide on Intercropping Coconuts with Ginger

Preparing the seedpieces: 1. Select fresh and healthy seedpieces weighing at least 20 grams each and showing signs of early sprouting. 2. Before planting, wash the seedpieces in running water. Then soak them for 10 to 15 minutes in a solution of acidulated mercuric bichloride (for every 20 liters water, add 45 grams captan). Land preparation: 1. Prepare raised beds one week before planting to ensure good drainage. Beds with two rows should be about 30 cms high and less than two meters wide. Row lengths depends on the farmer's convenience. When beds are located in areas with high occurrences of soil-borne diseases, such as damping-off, the beds must be sterilized by burning dried rice straw, banana leaves or coconut leaves three times on the soil surface. 2. Plant the seedpieces about five cms deep in each hill 25 cms apart in double row in each bed. Arrange the hills in a triangular pattern, whether the seedpieces are planted in poorly drained areas or areas. When planted under coconut trees, the seedpieces should be planted 25 to 20 cms. in shallow furrows 45 cms. apart. 3. At the time of planting, fertilize the soil with complete fertilizer (12-24-12), 400 kg if soil is sandy, 300 kg. if soil is clay-loam per hectare. 4. After planting, mulch the beds or ridges with green leaves (either ipil-ipil or madre de cacao) or rice straw, 10,000 kg /hectare, to prevent the soil from drying and to prevent erosion caused by monsoon rains. 5. During the second and fourth months of growth, apply fertilizer again. Generally, they should be weeded at least twice during its growth period. Harvesting: Ginger should be harvested when the leaves become yellow and start to wither. This occurs eight months after planting. 6. In small harvesting areas, the crop is dug with a spading fork, the plant is pulled out, shakes off the soil and lays them on the bed. Stems are cut off without breaking the ginger bulbs. 7. In large plantation areas, ginger is harvested by harrowing the soil, then dried an open shaded area. Source: Greenfields, March 1990

Garlic (Allium sativum) has long been used as a culinary spice and medicinal herb. It is believed to have originated in Central Asia for over 5,000 years ago. Its fine aroma and distinct taste make garlic an export winner crop. There are about 300 varieties of garlic all over the world. Garlic is classified based on its origin and morphological features. Several types of garlic include: true garlic (predominantly from China), hard neck varieties (Asiatic types) and soft neck varieties. In the Philippines, the varieties of garlic being planted fall under the soft neck varieties that are often cultivated in the provinces of Ilocos, Batanes, Mindoro, and Batangas. Aside from its versatility as a culinary bulb, garlic production provides a wide range of livelihood and economic opportunities for the Filipino farmers. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="333"] garlic photo

Photo by photofarmer

[/caption]

Land Preparation and Planting

Garlic can be grown on a wide range of soil types. The soil should be harrowed thoroughly to break large soil clods and eliminate the growth of perennial weeds. Heavy soil types may hinder bulb expansion that would result to rough and irregular shaped bulbs. Soil pH should range from 6.0-7.5. Apply organic matter such as animal and green manure to the soil prior to planting. Garlic seed stock should be stored as whole bulbs prior to planting. It should not be stored long, since cloves separate from the parent bulb deteriorate rapidly. The amount of planting material may vary from 700-1,000 kg/ha, depending upon the weight of individual cloves to be planted and planting space. The distance of the planting holes ranges from 7-12 cm apart. Cloves of small-bulbed strains may be planted as close as 7 cm apart. Single or multiple rows are commonly used. Spacing between rows is generally not less than 20 cm.

Fertilizer Application

Garlic grows well on fertile soil. The amount of nitrogen fertilizer required varies depending on soil type. Garlic generally requires 70-125 kg/ha. of nitrogen. A small amount of nitrogen can be applied as soon as the primary leaves sprout from the bulb. The application of nitrogen fertilizer should be completed within 4-6 weeks before harvest. Optimum care must be taken when applying the fertilizer to avoid foliar burn. Applications of urea should be avoided for it may cause plant injury.

Irrigation

Garlic is sensitive to moisture stress throughout the growing season. For most soils, 2.5 cm of water is required per week during growing season. Morning to mid-afternoon is the best time of irrigation. This allows sufficient time for the foliage to dry before nightfall. As the garlic matures, watering is minimized to avoid bulb deterioration.

Garlic diseases

The major disease problems that infest garlic are fusarium basal rot and penicillium mold. Fusarium basal rot is a disease that attacks the basal plate region and the roots. Warm soil temperature and high moisture content in the soil trigger the growth and development of the soil-borne pathogens. Crop rotation is found helpful in preventing the fusarium basal rot. Penicillium mold is the main cause of garlic decay while in storage. The disease appears as masses of blue-green spores and usually attacks the base of the bulb. The planting of garlic during the later part of summer when temperature is quite high should be avoided. This favors the development of pathogens that cause clove rot. Irrigation may help during the early stage of planting, since soil moisture content appears to suppress clove rot.

Harvesting and Curing

It is easy to detect when garlic cloves are ready for harvest. Matured leaves begin to dry, discolor and bend towards the ground. Another indication of bulb maturity is the reduced thickness of leaf sheath surrounding the bulb. Garlic may be harvested by hand pulling. Using a fork helps loosen the soil thus facilitate lifting. Harvested garlic must be cured properly to ensure a long storage life. Open field curing may be done by placing the garlic in vegetable bins with cover but this should allow natural air to dry the cloves. In indoor curing, garlic gloves are placed in wired racks or open trays. The storage house should be well ventilated.

--------------------------------------- Source: Veggies Today, National Vegetable RDE Network, Institute of Plant Breeding, UPLB College, Laguna, Tel no. (049)536-2512 local 217; Ontario FactSheet, Ministry of Agriculture, Ontario, Canada)

By: Mary Charlotte O. Fresco, BAR Digest, April-June 2001 Issue (Vol. 3 No.2)

rubber plant

Good root development is important in the growth of rubber seedlings. To accomplish this, the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), together with various regional agricultural field offices in Mindanao, developed the root trainer technology that will facilitate better growth for rubber plants. Root trainers are specifically designed plastic containers, which has vertical ridges inside to promote healthy growth of roots. Requiring less labor, the root trainer technology will enhance the development of straight tap root and many root hairs, which allow the rubber plant to withstand environmental stress after planting. Moreover, one whorl of rubber plants grown in root trainer are ready for transplanting in 6-7 months compared with the conventional method of sowing one whorl of rubber seeds in budded polybags, which can take 8-10 months. Root trainer is just one of the technologies developed under the Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) for rubber of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). As a high-value industrial crop, rubber is one of the country’s primary exports. To maintain rubber’s position as an export commodity, PCAARRD’s ISP aims to address the supply chain problems of the rubber industry through S&T solutions. These solutions include rapid clonal mass propagation techniques and use of root trainer in nursery production; package of technology in nursery and plantation management of high yielding clones (HYCs) in non-traditional rubber production areas; optimized rehabilitation techniques for senescent rubber trees and production system through rubber-based agroforestry system in National Greening Program sites; optimized rubber latex harvesting/tapping and coagulation techniques and varietal improvement; and selection through barcoding of HYCs. by Jan Ariss Jadraque, DOST-PCAARRD S&T Media Services

bignay

Two projects implemented by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) found that duhat (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels) and bignay (Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng) contain anthocyanins that possess health-promoting properties, particularly antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties. Because of these properties, the two extracts can be processed as feed supplement and food additive. They also have nutraceutical properties. Extracts that have enzyme inhibition can be produced as medicine to treat diseases. Inhibitors target an enzyme in a person’s system and correct a particular condition. Meanwhile, an antioxidant is a compound that prevents deterioration or removes damaging oxidizing agents. Duhat and bignay extracts contain phenolic compounds, which can help in preventing and treating cancer. The anthocyanin from duhat and bignay extracts are processed into powder through microencapsulation. The said microencapsulated anthocyanin extracts can benefit fruit growers, food processors, researchers. They are also beneficial to the health and wellness and veterinary industries. These initiatives are under the program, “Emerging Interdisciplinary Research (EIDR)” which is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and monitored by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of DOST (DOST-PCAARRD). Under the program are: Project 1, “In vitro Release Properties of the Microencapsulated Anthocyanin Extracts Prepared with Duhat (Syzygium cumini (L.)) and Bignay (Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng)” and Project 2, “Evaluation of In Vivo Health Effects of the Microencapsulated Anthocyanin Extracts Prepared with Duhat (Syzygium cumini (L.)) and Bignay (Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng).” by Rose Anne M. Aya, DOST-PCAARRD S&T Media Services

carrageenan growth promoter

UBAY, Bohol—Aside from rice, the Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter (PGP) has been effective in boosting the yield of field legumes such as mungbean and peanut. This was reported during the pre-terminal review of the program titled “Multi-location Trials of Oligo-carageenan for Improved Productivity of Mungbean and Peanut in Regions II, III, VII, and X” at the Department of Agriculture–Central Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center (DA-CENVIARC) recently. The said program is being funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). [caption id="attachment_18629" align="alignnone" width="483"] carrageenan growth promoter

Mr. Fernando B. Aurigue, Project Leader from DOST-PNRI, lectures on the Carrageenan PGP Technology for Mungbean and Peanut to farmers in Ubay, Bohol.[/caption] According to Fernando B. Aurigue, Project Leader from the DOST–Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), results of the project’s second and final year of implementation indicate a significant increase in yield for mungbean and peanut when supplemented with the 3-month old Carrageenan PGP. Carrageenan is an edible and natural polysaccharide extracted from seaweed. When irradiated, carrageenan further breaks down to oligo-saccharides that are proven as an effective inorganic fertilizer. Carrageenan PGP has been registered with the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) as an inorganic fertilizer for rice. The project has already been approved of the Experimental Use Permit (EUP) for mungbean and peanut in regions 2, 3, 7 and 10. To maximize the use of carrageenan, part of the project’s targets is the Label Expansion (LE) of the FPA-registered carrageenan product as PGP for mungbean and peanut. The LE protocol for mungbean and soybean will be similar but a separate protocol for FPA registration will be developed for peanut. Multi-location trials’ results showed that supplementing the Farmer’s Practice (FP) with Carrageenan PGP increases yield of different mungbean and peanut varieties. Field experiments in regions 2, 3, 7, and 10 showed that mungbean yield could increase to as much as 88.7% (from 710.45 kg/ha to 1,497.60 kg/ha) when Carrageenan PGP is supplemented to FP. Meanwhile, peanut yield increased from an average yield of 1,622.00 kg/ha to 2,000.00 kg/ha or 68.90%. According to Dr. Lucille V. Abad, inventor of the carrageenan PGP and Director of the Atomic Research Division of DOST-PNRI, the institution is still looking for third-party industries that can mass produce the carrageenan PGP for commercial consumption. Currently, access to the carrageenan foliar spray can be requested from DOST-PNRI through the conduct of collaborative researches, field trials, and sharing of research results. by Margarita V. Atienza, DOST-PCAARRD S&T Media Services

rubber seedlings

Rubber seedlings grown in root trainer containers develop 300% more lateral roots compared with rubber seedlings grown in conventional polybags. This results in faster growth and development of rubber quality planting materials. [caption id="attachment_18646" align="alignnone" width="300"]

Rubber seedlings in root trainers (Image credit: Forestry and Environment Research Division (FERD), PCAARRD)[/caption] The root trainer technology enhances the development of straight tap root and many root hairs allowing the rubber plant to withstand environmental stress after planting, resulting in high survival rate and uniformity in growth. Root trainers are specially designed plastic containers that have vertical ridges inside to promote fast and healthy growth of roots. This technique stimulates well-established root system by preventing tap root coiling. The size and shape of the containers also eases transporting and handling rubber seedlings. Based from the project titled, “Innovation of Root Trainer Technique and Precision Grafting Technology for Rapid Propagation of Quality Planting Materials of Rubber,” quality planting materials of rubber were grown in just 5-6 months using the root trainer technology combined with young budding propagation technique, compared with the use of conventional polybag nursery practice that takes 10-18 months. Budding can also start as early as 20 days. Root trainers were first discovered in India and new propagation techniques were adapted from Indonesia and China. With these in mind, project leader Ernie Camacho of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 9 (DA-RFO 9) thought of a way to verify the applicability of root trainer in the country and test new and innovative techniques in the production of quality and affordable planting materials of rubber. According to Camacho, the new technique will enable the Philippines to propagate climate-resilient rubber at lower cost. The root trainer technology is also projected to be profitable in the downstream market. Falling under PCAARRD’s strategic R&D banner program, the developed technology is envisioned to be commercialized in the country to help resolve the prevailing issue of the high demand of rubber quality planting materials. This project is funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD). It is one of the three finalists for the research category of the National Symposium on Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NSAARRD), spearheaded by PCAARRD. NSAARRD awardees will be recognized during the PCAARRD’s Awards and Recognition Ceremony on June 19, 2019 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Pasay City. by Eirene Grace C. Zaragoza, DOST-PCAARRD S&T Media Services

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Nourishment

BIG

Crop Museum

Recipes

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Land Preparation and Planting

Fertilizer Application

Irrigation

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Harvesting and Curing

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