A scientist who has contributed generation of new knowledge in the field of fungal physiology and genetics won the Outstanding Published Paper in Agriculture category of the Dr. Elvira O. Tan Award.
Dr. Jonar I. Yago, one of the three finalists for the said award, is a ten-time winner of the Cagayan Valley Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Research Development (CVAARRD) Best Research Paper.
Yago’s latest study, for which he was nominated to the Dr. Elvira O. Tan Awards is titled: The SLT2 mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated signalling pathway governs conidiation, morphogenesis, fungal virulence, and production of toxin and melanin in the tangerine pathotype of Alternaria alternata.
The said work used research method that was documented for the first time. It concerns the production of a host-selective toxin, which is crucial for fungal pathogenicity (the ability of an organism to cause disease). The study of Yago proved to be important in establishing the foundation for developing a recombinant DNA technology for citrus to be resistant to various fungal diseases in citrus, including brown spot.
Brown spot of citrus is considered a major problem on the fruit of many citrus cultivars grown for fresh markets including tangerines (Citrus reticulata) and their hybrids. It causes lesions on leaves, stems, and fruit and reduces yield and fruit quality.
Yield loss due to brown spot has reached 35% to 70%, hence the urgent need for biotechnology research on the said disease of citrus, which is caused by A. alternata.
Yago’s work is considered as a continuing research in citrus disease to the next level of emerging science. It was published in the Molecular Plant Pathology, the leading journal in molecular biology of plant diseases in the United Kingdom.
Used as references by other researchers and scientists in the world, Molecular Plant Pathology has the highest impact factor among plant science journals in the world.
The Dr. Elvira O. Tan Award honors Filipino scientists and researchers for their exceptional publication of research and development (R&D) results, which support the advancement of the country’s national economic and food security. It was established in 1987 as a tribute to Dr. Elvira O. Tan, an outstanding researcher and prolific writer.
Though the awards were conceptualized to recognize scientists and researchers in fisheries research and development in the country, it was expanded to cover aquatic sciences, agriculture, and natural resources and environment in consonance with the National Symposium on Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NSAARRD).
A DOST-PCAARRD R&D initiative, NSAARRD showcases the most outstanding contributions of individuals and institutions in the improvement of the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sectors through R&D awards.
NSAARRD was one of the highlights of the DOST-PCAARRD’s 6th anniversary celebration, which was held at the Council’s complex on June 27-30, 2017.