The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) conducted a seminar on “Phytoandrogen: An Alternative Sex Reversal Treatment for Nile Tilapia.”
Fifty participants composed of researchers, technical staff, and private practitioners/stakeholders from state universities and colleges, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Fisheries Offices, and private sector attended the activity.
Organized by the Inland Aquatic Resources Research Division (IARRD) of PCAARRD, the seminar was held at the WDD Room, PCAARRD, Los Baños, Laguna on June 29, 2018.
The resource person, Mr. Roberto Miguel V. Sayco from the Central Luzon State University – Freshwater Aquaculture Center (CLSU-FAC) tackled four topics: 1. Phytoandrogen, its sources and use for tilapia sex reversal treatment; 2. Quantitative and qualitative phytochemical screening of phytoandrogen from pine trees; 3. Laboratory trials; and 4. On farm evaluation of phytoandrogen.
Ms. Ave Joy Ramos, staff of CLSU-FAC, on the other hand, provided the participants with hands-on demonstration on the microscopic examination of sexual dimorphism.
The gonad examination was also presented to the participants to familiarize them in the characterization of the difference in actual appearance between the female and male tilapia.
During the open forum, researchable areas namely, comparative studies of phytoandrogens from different pine trees and phytoandrogen levels at different maturity stages of pine trees, were identified. Participants were thankful for the activity as it will be beneficial in their work.
In closing, Dr. Dalisay DG. Fernandez, IARRD Director, challenged the participants on the use of phytoandrogen and to possibly conduct new researchable areas on the technology for the development of the aquaculture industry in the country.