Nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) play a crucial role in converting atmospheric dinitrogen into forms usable by plants, enhancing soil fertility and supporting sustainable rice production. This study explored the diversity and characteristics of NFB isolated from irrigated lowland rice fields with varying nitrogen (N) inputs. During the 2024 wet season, 56 bacterial isolates were collected from soil samples at the Philippine Rice Research Institute's Central Experiment Station (CES) and Negros Experiment Station (NES), representing sites with both sufficient inorganic N and low organic N, respectively. Molecular screening identified 20 isolates carrying the nifH gene, a key marker for biological nitrogen N fixation. 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis identified these isolates to known diazotrophic genera, including Niallia, Bacillus, Mesobacillus, and Priestia, with sequence similarities of 92.8 to 99.5%. Priestia megaterium and Bacillus spp. were the most frequently detected. The presence of nifH-positive isolates under both high- and low-N conditions indicates ecological adaptability and a potential role in N cycling across different N regimes. Bacillus velezensis (LNN9) and P. megaterium (LNC10) show a promise as microbial inoculants for improving nitrogen-use efficiency and reducing reliance on synthetic N fertilizers in rice production. The identification of a diverse community of nifH-containing bacteria highlights the resilience and ecological significance of NFB in rice agroecosystems and their potential as biofertilizers.
In this work, nonthermal plasma application to agriculture in the Philippines was explored. The effects of plasma treatment on Oryza sativa L. seed germination was investigated using a custom-built dielectric barrier discharge system. Two different sources, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), of a local rice variety, NSIC Rc 238, Tubigan 21, were used. The seeds were exposed to the discharge at different treatment times (control, 5, 10, 20, and 30 s). The effect of plasma treatment was evaluated using germination parameters (germination percentage and vigor index after 7 days; imbibition of water for 72 h). Surface characteristics of the seeds were also evaluated. Improvement in the wettability and removal of nodes on the surface were observed using a digital microscope and scanning electron microscopy. A slight increase in the vigor index and water uptake were observed for short plasma treatment times. However, long treatment time significantly decreased the germination percentage and vigor index. Therefore, optimizing the plasma treatment parameters is essential to maximize beneficial effects while minimizing potential harm.
The allelopathic effect, which either inhibits or stimulates the development and growth of surrounding plants (crops or weeds) via the production of secondary metabolites, is a crucial challenge for crop selection. This study examined the effects of Digitaria sanguinalis and Bidens pilosa, two locally prevalent weeds, on the seed germination and seedling growth of two main agricultural crops (Pea and Lettuce) were investigated. To assess the effects of D. sanguinalis and B.pilosa leaf aqueous extracts in the laboratory, three different concentrations (2, 5, and 7%) were used. The leaf extract of B. pilosa significantly reduced germination rates and inhibited seedling growth in both crops, whereas D. sanguinalis increased germination and seedling growth in Pea but reduced them in lettuce. Furthermore, the highest inhibitory effects were detected in lettuce at all concentrations (2, 5, and 7%), whereas a stimulatory effect was noticed in pea at 2 and 5% concentrations, but inhibitory effects were observed at higher concentrations (7%). It was concluded that the B. pilosa aqueous leaf extracts were more deleterious than D. sanguinalis extracts on the germination and growth of the tested crops. The potential damage and allelopathic effects of the aforementioned weeds should be considered during crop production.
The banana bract mosaic virus (BBrMV) is an economically important virus that infects banana and plantains. Abaca (Musa textilis Née), an important industrial crop in the Philippines, is severely affected by the virus. Rapid and accurate field detection is crucial for disease management, but existing diagnostic methods require specialized equipment and expertise, limiting accessibility in remote farming areas. To address this, we developed and validated the “LAMP para sa Abaca” (LAMParA) kit for BBrMV, a field-deployable, lyophilized RT-LAMP assay designed for on-site virus detection. The kit includes a portable battery-operated water bath, lyophilized ‘dry’ reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) reactions with positive and negative control setups to validate the field assays. The dry RT-LAMP kit successfully detected BBrMV across various temperatures (60.0-67.5℃) and crude extract volumes (7.5-20.0 µL), maintaining viability for up to 12 weeks at room temperature or 4℃ and 14 weeks at -20℃. It demonstrated higher sensitivity and equivalent specificity compared to RT-PCR, with 85.1% accuracy, 99.2% repeatability, and 100% reproducibility. Using this kit, a 96-well reaction can be completed in 20 minutes and the fully charged water bath can run five times consecutively which can test a total of 480 samples. The LAMParA kit has been successfully used by farmers to identify BBrMV-positive abaca plants in the field, enabling timely intervention strategies such as roguing infected plants and vector control measures. This is the first LAMP-based point-of-care diagnostic kit for BBrMV offering a cost-effective and practical solution for viral disease management in resource-limited settings.
Developing new rice varieties for the Philippines' 1.5 M ha of rainfed lowland rice or 30% of the country’s total rice area is vital for the country's rice production and food security. The elite line C9305-B-9-2 developed by the UPLB Rice Varietal Improvement Team (RVIT) was evaluated in the National Cooperative Test (NCT) during the wet seasons (WS) from 2012-2015. After meeting the standards for yield, agronomic traits, pest and disease resistance, and grain quality, it was given a national recommendation for rainfed lowland areas as NSIC Rc 476 (Sahod Ulan 24) in 2016. It matures in 113 days and grows to 93 centimeters. It exhibited intermediate to resistant reactions to major pests and diseases, including blast in BIARC, sheath blight in PhilRice Isabela, rice tungro virus (modified) in IRRI, whiteheads in PhilRice Isabela, and brown planthopper. The variety has intermediate amylose content (19.1%), premium milling recovery (72.3%), fair brown rice recovery (79.1%), and grade 1 head rice recovery (50.1%). Yield stability analysis using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction and genotype main effects plus G by E (GGE) identified C9305-B-9-2 among the stable genotypes across locations in NCT. In the NCT, C9305-B-9-2 has an average yield of 3588 kg ha-1 with an average yield advantage of 22.9% and 15.3% over the two check varieties, NSIC Rc192 and PSB Rc14, respectively. In the 2018-2019 Participatory Performance Testing and Validation (PPTV), Sahod Ulan 24 was among the top three preferred varieties for two seasons in Pampanga, Aurora, Capiz, and Bohol. Moreover, it recorded a maximum yield of 9119 kg ha-1 in Saranggani in 2018 WS and 9400 kg ha-1 in Quezon in 2019 dry season (DS). Trait-based SNP marker genotyping using Kompetitive Allele-specific PCR (KASP) technology done in 2023 showed that NSIC Rc 476 has favorable alleles for qAG1, qAG3, qDTY3.2, STV11, and HIS2, which are important traits for rainfed ecosystem.
Acacia mangium is a hyperaccumulating species that is widely used in the rehabilitation of mined-out areas for its phytoremediation potential. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) on growth and microbial population build up in the rhizosphere of A. mangium under different nickel (Ni) concentrations. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments (control, MYKORICH®, MYKOCAP®, NMYC, and NNFB) pot experiment was set up at the BIOTECH-UPLB screen house with two factors: inoculation and Ni level. Sixty seedlings were subjected to increasing (0, 6, and 12 mg kg-1) Ni concentrations. After six months, results showed that NMYC (new AMF isolates from copper mined out area) increased height by 79% while MYKORICH® (commercial biofertilizer with 15 AMF species) increased stem diameter by 79% relative to the control irrespective of Ni level. The highest and lowest total biomass were obtained from seedlings treated with NMYC under Ni-6 (25.44 g plant-1) and in soil without Ni (11.48 g plant-1), respectively. The AMF inoculants produced the highest number of the microbial community: MYKOCAP® for mycorrhizal spore count and root colonization while MYKORICH® for NFB count. In conclusion, AMF inoculants NMYC and MYKORICH® have shown their potential in promoting growth and microbial population of A. mangium in soil with Ni as compared to seedlings with NFB and without inoculation. It is highly recommended field trials be conducted prior to large scale application in the rehabilitation of other Ni mined-out areas in the Philippines.
Los Baños, a municipality in the province of Laguna, has been the primary hub for Philippine aster production since 2010, contributing 68% to the national output in 2020. Despite its prominence, the study of aster diseases and their causes in this province have been limited. This research aimed to investigate fungal pathogens affecting two aster varieties (Symphyotrichum ericoides var. holland and S. ericoides var. mystica) in an ornamental farm in Los Baños and to evaluate their sensitivity to selected fungicides in vitro. The predominant pathogen, Agroathelia rolfsii (Curzi) C.C. Tu & Kimbr., was identified as the causal agent of crown rot and wilting, while Fusarium equiseti (Corda) Sacc. and Muyocopron laterale (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) Sacc. were associated with stem rot and necrotic leaf spots, respectively. Pathogenicity tests revealed that A. rolfsii caused rapid stem discoloration, wilting, and death within two weeks for aster Mystica. F. equiseti stem rot was more aggressive on aster Mystica than on aster Holland, whereas the necrotic leaf spots caused by M. laterale were more aggressive on aster Holland. These pathogens were identified based on morpho-cultural traits and molecular analysis of their ITS regions. The bioefficacy of difenoconazole and chlorothalonil, commonly used fungicides in ornamentals, were assessed by determining the percent growth inhibition (%GI) based on colony diameter over a period of seven days using three different concentrations (50 ppm, 100 ppm, and 150 ppm) amended in culture media. The assay revealed that difenoconazole can completely inhibit (100%GI) A. rolfsii starting at 50 ppm while only at 150 ppm for M. laterale. The highest inhibition of 82.78% was observed for F. equiseti at 150 ppm. On the other hand, chlorothalonil did not show significant inhibition against the identified fungal pathogens. This study marks the first record of fungal pathogens causing aster field diseases in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, emphasizing the importance of identifying the causative agents of diseases as a prerequisite for effective disease management and enhanced production strategies.
Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.), originating from the Malay-Indonesian region, is widely cultivated in Southeast Asia and is a climate-resilient yet underutilized fruit crop in the Philippines. This study evaluated the variability of Rambutan genotypes in Laguna to identify outstanding genotypes for crop improvement. Twelve fruit-yield traits were assessed, including fruit weight, length, width, peel thickness, aril thickness, total soluble solids (TSS), and seed characteristics. Multivariate analysis revealed significant phenotypic variability, with high positive correlations among most traits. Principal component analysis indicated that five principal components accounted for most of the variation, aiding in genotype clustering. Clustering analysis produced a a highly branched dendrogram indicating a high degree of variability and diversity among Rambutan genotypes evaluated. Based from the dendrogram, five distinct clusters were formed, namely: Cluster I (similar to ‘Maharlika’), Cluster II (similar to ‘Seenjonja’), Cluster III (largest fruits similar to‘Seematjan’), Cluster IV (similar to ‘Roja’ and ‘JMG-R5’), and Cluster V (smallest but sweetest fruits). These results highlight the significant variability within Rambutan genotypes, providing a basis for crop improvement and varietal selection. Notable genotypes include ‘R-Bt-F’ for its edible portion, ‘R-T#8’ for its weight and high edible portion, and ‘Rambutan 6’ for its sweetness and fruit weight.
Agricultural systems have the potential to mitigate climate change by capturing atmospheric CO₂ and storing carbon over extended periods. This study quantified the aboveground biomass (AGB) and carbon stocks of different cacao (Theobroma cacao)–based farming system typologies in Nagcarlan, Laguna, Philippines. A total of 26 farms were assessed, wherein tree densities (trees ha⁻¹) were recorded, and tree diameter measurements were collected. Established allometric equations were used to estimate AGB, carbon stock, and CO₂ sequestration across cropping systems. The identified farming system typologies include cacao + coconut, cacao + banana, cacao + coconut + banana, and cacao monocrop. Results showed that the cacao + coconut + banana system (65.60 Mg ha⁻¹ AGB, 30.17 Mg C ha⁻¹, and 110.63 Mg ha⁻¹ CO₂) and the cacao + coconut system (82.66 Mg ha⁻¹ AGB, 38.11 Mg C ha⁻¹, and 139.74 Mg ha⁻¹ CO₂) had significantly higher biomass, carbon stock, and CO₂ sequestration than cacao monocropping (10.43 Mg ha⁻¹ AGB, 4.80 Mg C ha⁻¹, and 17.59 Mg ha⁻¹ CO₂) and cacao + banana systems (12.46 Mg ha⁻¹ AGB, 5.74 Mg C ha⁻¹, and 21.04 Mg ha⁻¹ CO₂). Hence, intercropping cacao with coconut can significantly increase the carbon stock by six to eightfold as compared to cacao + banana and cacao monocrop. These findings demonstrate the substantial potential of cacao-based farming systems to enhance carbon storage while maintaining productive agricultural landscapes. Further studies are recommended to include additional carbon pools, such as belowground biomass and soil organic carbon, to provide a more comprehensive assessment of carbon stocks in cacao-based farming systems.
Seeds of commercial F1 hybrid tomato varieties Fantastic F1 and Diamante max F1 were subjected to water and irradiated carrageenan biostimulant (ICB) treatments. It was aimed at determining the efficacy of the different treatments and the response of hybrid tomato seeds as measured by different germination and seedling quality indicators. Results showed that treatments significantly improved all indicators for Diamante Max across treatments. Similar results were obtained for Fantastic except for percent germination and germination index, which were not statistically different across treatments. ICB treatments were generally better than water treatments, though increasing rate of ICB showed reduction in improvement. Nonetheless, 1% ICB solution yielded the maximum values across indicators in both seed lots. In comparison to untreated seeds, 1% ICB differed by 8.80% - 183.56% on Diamante Max and 6.25% - 78.2% in Fantastic across indicators. Thus, ICB based seed priming was shown to improve germination and seedling indicators in hybrid tomato varieties. While some inconsistent observations were attributed to experimental limitations. Recommendations are forwarded.
The triple-crop rice monocropping system is commonly practiced in areas covered by the Bago River Irrigation System (BRIS) in Negros Occidental, Philippines. The study aimed to assess the spatial extent of triple-rice cropping in the province and BRIS and evaluate farming practices, rice yield, and the economic status of local farmers to identify information needs and challenges. Maps generated accounted for 90% accuracy, and results showed that Bago City and Valladolid had the largest third-crop rice areas. A survey was conducted with 240 farmer respondents from six Irrigators’ Associations (IAs) of BRIS, using stratified sampling, providing a 95% confidence level with a 5% margin of error. The survey revealed that 93.3% of farmers grow five rice crops every two years or practice one to two rice crops per year, while 4.6% plant rice in all three cropping seasons over the two years. Early-maturing rice varieties and direct-seeding methods were commonly used by farmers to shorten the cropping period per season, enabling the triple-crop system. The study’s objectives aimed to provide insights that can guide sustainable farming practices, improve policy decisions, and support increased rice production capacity to address the food security issues in the region.
This study explores the application of non-thermal atmospheric plasma treatment to improve seed germination and seedling characteristics of two varieties of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus var. ‘Smooth Green’ and ‘Red Ruby’) seeds. Two variants of Okra were obtained, with 660 seeds each. Seeds were directly treated with atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) and subjected to germination testing and seedling characterization and compared with untreated seeds. Both germination testing and seedling characterization were done in split-plot design in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with APP treatment as the main factor and the variety as the subplot with 3 replicates per treatment and 2 subsample of 30 seeds each. Germination was observed daily for 14 days, and sowing commence thereafter for 2 wks. Characteristics such as germination index, germination percentage, time spread of germination, mean germination time, were determined. Further, seedling shoot and root length and total plant length and vigor index II were also determined after sowing the seedlings in pots with moist coir dust. Data was analyzed using two-way Analysis of variance. In all parameters observed, significant differences were observed for both germination and seedling characteristics. Higher germination percentage, more uniform and earlier germination with shorter germination time were observed on APP treated seeds. Generally, longer plants as indicated by longer shoot and root lengths were observed on APP treated seeds across varieties. In terms of germination index, APP treated seeds also had higher germination and more vigorous seedlings compared to untreated seeds across varieties. These findings suggest that direct non-thermal atmospheric plasma exposure may be effective at stimulating rapid germination and seedling growth for both ‘Red Ruby’ and ‘Green Smooth’ varieties.
The media impacts public understanding of technology and motivates opinions on a number of controversial topics. To understand the media representation of modern biotechnology in the Philippines, a 24-year (2000-2023) longitudinal analysis was conducted covering 2,525 articles from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, and BusinessMirror. Results of previous analyses (2000-2009 and 2010-2016) were compared with the latest analysis that covered 286 articles from 2017 to 2023, particularly on the following variables: article type, section, topic and focus, source of information, framing category, keyword, and metaphors used, and tone of articles. Chi-Square Tests of Independence, Fisher's Exact Test, and Correspondence Analysis were used to examine the associations between various categorical variables in the 2017-2023 analysis, and trends of news coverage on agricultural biotechnology in four major Philippine newspapers were identified. The government has remained the top source of information cited in the articles since 2000. Public accountability/governance and social progress/economic development have continued as the top two frames used by the writers over the years. Genetic modification and biotechnology remained as major keywords used to refer to the technology since 2000. The use of fear-based metaphors has declined over the years. Articles from the Philippine Daily Inquirer shifted from generally negative to mostly neutral, while the articles from other newspapers were predominantly positive in the latter years. Of the four newspapers, BusinessMirror exemplified consistent and evidence-based coverage of the technology through the years. Statistical test results showed that the word GMO is the most used keyword across all tones, mostly for positive articles. Recommendations include continuous and quality engagements with media practitioners and key stakeholders, the formation of a fact-checking body to prevent the spread of misinformation, and the inclusion of other media channels in future research for a more holistic analysis.
Quality parameters are key indicators for selecting advanced breeding programs. As a core indicator of grain quality, amylose content (AC) does not always provide a comprehensive representation of the pasting profile or cooked rice quality. Apo and IR64 are rice varieties that belong to the intermediate AC class but exhibit distinct cooking and eating characteristics, whereas other grain components are known to be associated with these differences. This study investigated genetic variations in the pasting properties of rice associated with cooking and eating quality traits using genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a mapping population derived from IR64 and Apo, which have similar apparent amylose content (AAC). Genome-wide SNPs identified 27 main-effect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with cooking and eating quality parameters on seven chromosomes (1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11). The results revealed novel QTLs for AC, pasting properties, and protein content in rice from a population with parents having similar AAC. Moreover, putative functional SNPs in the promoter and 5' untranslated region of the Wx gene were identified via in silico analysis. These findings will contribute to further understanding the genetics controlling the cooking and eating quality of rice, specifically the AC, pasting profile, and protein content.
Phenotyping of 50 Dendrobium genotypes belonging to five Dendrobium species including Dendrobium anosmum (Lindl.), Dendrobium aphyllum (Roxburgh) C.E.C Fisch., Dendrobium crumenatum Swartz, Dendrobium profusum, and Dendrobium bullenianum Rchb.f., and pollen fertility testing of selected D. anosmum genotypes was conducted to characterize and analyze them morphologically in terms of flower, leaf spike traits and growth habit. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the different quantitative traits evaluated grouped them into 16 principal components, wherein the first four components have Eigenvalues greater than one and, they have contributed 80.93% of the total cumulative variability. Fifteen phenotypic traits have high variances as shown by the four most important principal components, and these have significance to the different genotypes since they can be used as basis for selection in breeding work to improve the Dendrobium orchid. The relationship of the different quantitative traits was subjected to correlation circle analysis, and it revealed that flower width, flower length, petal length, dorsal and lateral sepal length, lip length, lip width, peduncle length, petal thickness and flower lifespan are positively correlated. Furthermore, Agglomerative hierarchal clustering analysis indicated that the 50 individual Dendrobium genotypes clustered into three classes with different class sizes. The dendrogram showed a highly branched structure indicating a high variability among the 50 Dendrobium genotypes, suggesting a wide window for selection of desirable genotypes. The Dendrobium selections that are floriferous with big flowers included: Genotype #3 from D. anosmum, Genotype #20 from D. aphyllum and Genotype #32 from D. cremenatum.
Intercropping can improve agronomic nitrogen use efficiency (aNUE), land equivalent ratio (LER), and productivity compared to monocropping. A study conducted in Nueva Ecija examined five cropping systems: monocrop maize (M), monocrop soybean (S), maize-soybean intercropping (M+S), soybean with Rhizobium inoculant (SwR), and maize-soybean intercropping with Rhizobium inoculant (M+SwR). These systems were further evaluated under two tillage systems: conventional tillage (CT) and reduced tillage (RT). The study examined the response of different cropping and tillage systems on agronomic traits, yield performance, and economic profitability. The intercrop of maize (0.53) and soybean (1.18) resulted to higher aNUE of 1.71 compared to monocrop of the two commodities. In addition, net income of M+S in reduced tillage system was increased to PhP 177,787.00, with an average LER of 1.70. However, tillage systems did not significantly affect the agronomic or yield components of maize and soybean which can be attributed to less sensitivity to the type of tillage used. Meanwhile, plant height (213.70 cm) and grain yield (5.99 Mg ha-1) of maize were higher in monocropping than in intercropping. Similarly, the harvest index of soybean was highest in monocropping at 0.33 among cropping systems. Although monocropping provided higher yields compared to maize-soybean intercropping, this yield advantage did not necessarily translate to economic benefits. The study highlights the economic, aNUE, and LER benefits of intercropping. However, realizing these benefits in agricultural practice will require advancements in technology and farmer training. Further research is recommended to explore these systems' effects on production in marginal or less fertile soils, focusing on the role of inoculation and cropping systems.
Abaca (Musa textilis Née), also known as Manila hemp, is a vital natural fiber-producing plant in the Philippines, mainly cultivated for its highly durable fibers. Five locally described Abaca cultivars found in Aklan province: Bisaya, Agbayanon, Tabukanon, Totoo, and Negro, which are widely cultivated for fiber production. However, limited research has been conducted to classify their fiber grades, lack comprehensive characterization, and comparison of fiber tensile strength between pseudostem layers (inner and outer) and across cultivars. This hinders the full utilization of Abaca fibers and guides for cultivar-specific production that produces high-quality Abaca fibers. This study investigated the tensile strength of Abaca cultivars in Aklan using one-way ANOVA and other statistical tests to confirm differences within the group. Results showed Agbayanon, Bisaya, and Tabukanon produced S3 (outer) and S2 (inner), while Totoo also produces an S2 (outer) and EF fiber (inner). In contrast, Negro provides JK fiber grade for both layers. Among cultivars, Totoo demonstrated the lowest values in gram force (outer = 2,714; inner = 2,858), but high tensile strength in terms of MPa (outer = 848; inner = 892) and kilogram force (outer = 57.52; inner = 60.65), the only fiber/cultivar exceeding PNS standards (35 to 55 kg/g.m) recommended for fiber production and textile. In contrast, Negro showed high gram force (outer = 7782; inner = 4121) but was weakest in MPa (outer = 389; inner = 206), suited for industrial applications. Meanwhile, Agbayanon had the gram force (outer = 7,888; inner = 6,437) and ranked second in MPa (outer = 616; inner = 503), suited for versatile applications. Bisaya and Tabukanon, on the other hand, demonstrated consistent mid-to-high tensile values suitable for moderate strength processing. The study's findings provide valuable information for developing cultivar-specific production policies that encourage farmers, producers, and stakeholders to plant cultivars that produce high-value and export-quality Abaca fibers that meet the Philippine National Standards.
This study aimed to evaluate the anther culture response in Turkish rice varieties and assess the feasibility of introducing haploid technology into rice breeding programs in Turkey. Histological analysis revealed that when the anther tip was located between one-third and half of the spikelet’ length, about 96% of the pollen was in the uninucleate stage. When the anther tip was positioned between half to three-fourths of the spikelet’ length, most of the pollen was in the tricellular stage. The optimal time to harvest panicles for anther culture is when the anther tip located between one-third and one-half of the spikelet’s length, with the position closer to one-third being more favorable. The callus induction rate among 39 rice varieties ranged from 0.1% to 48.9%, with an average of 9.9%. The green plant regeneration rate varied 0% to 61.1%, with an average of 10.0%, while green-to-albino ratio was 0.3. The highest rates of both callus induction and plant regeneration were observed in the varieties ‘Surek 95’ with rates of 48.9% and 61.1%, respectively. The primary challenges in the anther culture of Turkish rice varieties were the risk of contamination during in vitro culture and the high frequency of albino plant occurrence. In conclusion, although differences in anther culture response were observed among the varieties, the introduction of haploid techniques into Turkish rice breeding programs appears feasible on a limited scale.
Rice trade liberalization has negatively affected the income of Filipino rice farmers, and this could provoke them into reducing their rice cultivation. Production of glutinous rice, which has progressing demand at local and international levels, could be an alternative for farmers to keep their rice farming enterprise viable. However, there have been very few interventions to increase its yield level and local production. This could be linked with the limited information and data about its production dynamics, marketing, and full potential. Hence, this paper assessed the potentials and profitability of glutinous rice production in the Philippines. A total of 93 farmers were selected through multi-stage random sampling and interviewed in the provinces of Camarines Sur, Iloilo, and Abra. Descriptive statistics and costs and returns were used for data analysis. Results showed that local glutinous rice production is profitable with positive net returns in all sites. Return on investment ranges from 15 to 29%. Findings pointed out that the current local glutinous rice industry has a high potential for expansion and opportunity for import substitution. Strategies for yield enhancement, production cost reduction, and premium quality preservation are recommended.
‘Carabao’ mango fruit is highly susceptible to chilling injury (CI) when stored at sub-optimal temperature for extended period. Melatonin (MLT) was reported to ameliorate chilling injury (CI), hence this study aimed to enhance the cold tolerance of ‘Carabao’ mango fruits through MLT treatment. Mature green mango fruits were dipped for 10 min in varying concentrations (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mM) of MLT then stored at 7oC for six weeks followed by poststorage at 24oC. Dramatic amelioration of CI with MLT was achieved during the 3-week storage at 7oC. Melatonin at 1.0 mM delayed the onset of CI and reduced the incidence of external CI symptoms like lenticel spotting and peel discoloration as well as internal CI symptoms manifested as vascular streaking, pulp cavitation, and flesh browning. MLT however, did not significantly retard the rate of ripening of mangoes during storage at 7oC. The high visual quality rating was maintained for three weeks at 7oC in both treated and control fruit. MLT only delayed the onset of disease but did not significantly reduce disease incidence. Upon withdrawal from cold storage and at the ripe stage, mangoes treated with MLT had lower total soluble solids content than the control. On the other hand, titratable acidity upon withdrawal from cold storage and at the ripe stage was not affected by MLT treatment.
