Researchers from the Visayas State University (VSU), led by its President Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin, developed 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 has been tested at the Bureau of Plant Industry’s (BPI) accredited nurseries around the country.
Developed under the project, Genetic Markers and Immuno-based Identification of Philippine ‘Carabao’ Mango, the project is implemented in collaboration with the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) and 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 Philippine ‘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 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.
The dipstick kit, along with the Council’s leading R&D initiatives in the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sectors, will be showcased during the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) on July 25-29 at the Council’s complex. This year’s NSTW adopts the theme, Juan Science, One Nation.
The Council will also celebrate its fifth anniversary on July 28, 2016. This will highlight the conduct of the National Symposium on Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Research and Development (NSAARRD) in the morning and awarding of papers in the afternoon. The NSAARRD showcases the most outstanding contributions of individuals and institutions in improving the state of the AANR sectors through research and development.