The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), through the Crops Research Division (CRD), recently conducted a field monitoring visit on its three ongoing initiatives on potato, purple yam, and heirloom rice implemented by the Benguet State University (BSU).
The CRD monitoring team was welcomed by BSU President, Dr. Felipe S. Comila, who expressed his support towards more collaborations on research and development (R&D).
Dir. Cynthia G. Kiswa, program leader of the “Potato R&D Center” under the DOST’s Niche Centers in the Regions (NICER) for R&D program and project leader of the “Purple Yam (Dioscorea alata Linn.) Quality Planting Material Production through Aeroponics,” showed the status and accomplishments of the said two initiatives. Kiswa is also the director of the Northern Philippines Root Crops Research and Training Center (NPRCRTC).
Potato R&D Center’s seed potato production facilities
Among the highlights of the visit at the Potato R&D Center were the quality seed potato production facilities such as the tissue culture laboratory, seed potato aeroponics system, plant disease clinic laboratory, enhanced drip irrigation system, and the cold and diffused light seed storage facility.
These facilities aid the Center in its goal to boost the potato industry through enhancing quality seed production systems with S&T interventions.
According to Dir. Kiswa, the number of seed potatoes harvested at the facilities vary per variety. The Center has so far harvested up to 32 seed potatoes per plant of the Bengueta variety using drip irrigation system and up to 19 seed potatoes per plant of the Igorota variety from the aeroponics system.
Purple yam aeroponics system
Dir. Kiswa also reported that quality planting materials (QPM) of purple yam were successfully produced through aeroponics. The aeroponic setup at NPRCRTC houses four varieties of purple yam: ‘Kinampay,’ ‘Sampero,’ ’Zambal,’ and ‘Mindoro.’ Optimization of the aeroponics system components is still being done.
Through aeroponics, QPM of purple yam tubers can be produced in a soilless condition with the roots hanging mid-air, while the water-based nutrient solution is distributed to the roots via a pre-programmed mist system.
This can increase crop productivity, minimize pesticide use, multiply seed production, and prevent soil diseases.
Heirloom rice field trials
CRD monitoring team also traveled to Kapangan, Benguet to visit the dry season field trials of the project, “Increasing Heirloom Rice Production through Culturally Acceptable Management Options in Benguet and Mountain Province,” which is expected to produce harvest this year.
Project Leader Belinda A. Tad-awan of BSU said that the team has already identified the best practices for heirloom rice production.
Already in its final year, the project aims to produce seeds of promising rice landraces with market potential, increase productivity of the selected rice landraces per location, create a cost analysis of the recommended cultural management practice, and a package of technology (POT) for heirloom rice production.
The three-day field visit was led by CRD Officer in Charge Allan B. Siano, joined by Planning, Programming and Packaging (PPP) Section Head and Commodity Specialist for Purple Yam Abigail May O. Retuta, ISP Manager for Vegetables Joel Norman R. Panganiban, ISP Manager for Rice Alvin Quiel C. Sabanal, and Information, Education and Communication Subsection (IECSS) staff Danica Louise C. Sembrano.