Researchers, led by the Visayas State University (VSU) President Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin, conducted the first trial for the diagnostic dipstick kit that can identify true-to-type ‘Carabao’ mango. The technology was developed to address the problem of mislabeling of Philippine ‘Carabao’ mango seedlings in many nurseries in the country. It will ensure that planting materials sold in plant nurseries are the real ‘Carabao’ mangoes. The dipstick kit will be tested at Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)-accredited nurseries around the country.
The technology was developed under the project, Genetic Markers and Immuno-based Identification of Philippine ‘Carabao’ Mango, which is funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
The dipstick kit is designed as a disposable product that reacts when dipped into the mango leaf extract. A distinct dark purple line that appears on the strip indicates that the extract is from a ‘Carabao’ mango. Other varieties will not show the same reaction with the dipstick kit.
‘Carabao’ mango is known for its sweetness and is one of the sweetest varieties in the world. It is one of the country’s export products, which recorded a total exported volume of 21,081 metric tons for fresh mango worth US$16 million in 2011. Fresh Philippine ‘Carabao’ mangoes are exported to Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and the USA, while dried mangoes are exported to USA, Japan, Hong Kong, Canada, and China.