This year’s outstanding research and development initiatives honored during the National Symposium on Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NSAARRD) were projects on improving mango production through S&T and an innovative insect pest management to control citrus rind borer (CRB) on Satsuma Mandarin.
Annually, NSAARRD recognizes outstanding contributions of individuals and institutions in improving the state of R&D in the country in agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sector. NSAARRD recognizes two award categories: Best Research Paper and Best Development Paper.
Best Research Paper
The project, “Harnessing Entomopathogenic Fungi (EPF) for the Control of Citrus Rind Borer (CRB) (Prays endolemma Diakonoff) on Satsuma Mandarin (Citrus unshiu) topped this year’s contenders.
CRB is an insect pest that burrows into the fruit’s rind and flesh, making it unattractive and inedible. EPF, on the other hand, was identified as a biological control for CRB as it is the insect pest’s natural enemy. Using biological agents in insect pest management reduces or eliminates use of synthetic insecticides that are harmful to health and environment.
The project led by Dr. Jonar I. Yago of NVSU was implemented by the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) and the National Chung-Hsing University.
Bagging second place in said category is the project, “From Functional Genomics to Functional Applications in Cacao Production and Varietal Improvement,” implemented by Dr. Edward A. Barlaan and Dr. Emma K. Sales of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) and Dr. Antonio C. Laurena of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).
Placing third place is the project, “Classical Swine Fever (CSF) Surveillance in Mindanao Towards its Control and Eradication” by Dr. Alan P. Dargantes of Central Mindanao University (CMU).
Development category
Best Development Paper Award’s first place was given to the project, “Improvement of Mango Production through Science and Technology Innovations and Support Mechanisms for Capacity Development in Bataan and Zambales.” This project was implemented by Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU) and President Ramon Magsaysay State University and led by Dr. Hermogenes M. Paguia of BPSU.
The second place was awarded to the project, “Community-based Participatory Action Research on Sustainable Corn Production in Sloping Areas (SCoPSA) in Barangay Divisoria Sur and Divisoria Norte, Maddela, Quirino” led by Ms. Chonalyn A. Pascua of DA-RFO 2.
The awards were conferred during the DOST-PCAARRD’s virtual S&T Awards and Recognition held on December 22, 2020. The event was livestreamed via the Council’s Facebook page. The Best Research and Best Development Paper Awards were among the awards conferred during the event. Other awards were Dr. Elvira O. Tan for published papers in agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources; Ulat SIPAG for professional media, and Ugnay for outstanding regional consortium.