Biopesticides developed through research and development (R&D) were pitched during the second day of the Cluster Farms and Industry Encounters through the Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA) on Biofertilizer and Biopesticide.
Held on November 12, 2019 at Robinsons Place in Valencia City, Bukidnon, the pitching was attended by farmers and investors from Region 10.
Among the presenters were Ms. Leticia A. Lutap of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Dr. Cecilia V. Bautista of the Central Mindanao University (CMU), and Dr. Roger R. Alferez of Cebu Technological University (CTU) - Cebu City Mountain Satellite Campus.
Lutap presented the MMSU Bio-In 3. She described the technology as a plant-based biopesticide that specifically targets tomato fruitworm.
An alternative to the conventional synthetic insecticide, Dr. Lutap added that the MMSU Bio-In 3 will help reduce farmers' reliance on harmful chemical sprays for their crops.
Meanwhile, Dr. Alferez presented the Plantmate wood vinegar. The technology, he noted, is a natural pesticide that can be used in organic farming. He described it as an alternative to chemical pesticides.
According to Dr. Alferez, Plantmate is also capable of enriching the soil, enhancing root formation, improving seed germination, and increasing resistance to diseases.
A natural fungicide formulation utilizing Tasmannia piperita leaf extract, TazSCure was presented by Dr. Bautista. She discussed its effectiveness against late blight on tomato and leaf spot on lettuce.
The fungicide, added Dr. Bautista, is environment friendly, low cost, and locally available.
The pitching was conducted in line with the FIESTA's goal to promote and commercialize biofertilizers and biopesticides developed through R&D.
FIESTA is a technology transfer and promotion platform initiated by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
Held on November 11-13, 2019, the FIESTA is jointly implemented by five Consortia of DOST-PCAARRD: Caraga Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (CCAARRD); Southern Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (SMAARRDEC); Central Visayas Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium (CVAARRDEC); Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC); and Northern Mindanao Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development Consortium (NOMCAARRD) as lead.