AgbioModerna Program

Biotechnology has played a significant role in agricultural production and food supply. This technology is being used to address problems in all areas of agricultural production and processing (Persly and Doyle, 1999). This includes plant breeding to raise and stabilize yields and produce nutrient-efficient and resistant crops to abiotic stresses. Moreover, biotechnologies have also been used in crop protection, such as developing crops resistant to specific plant diseases and insect pests and producing beneficial microbes for disease control. The application of biotechnology in agriculture undoubtedly has resulted in various benefits, including improved crop yield, reduced crop vulnerability to environmental stresses, and reduced dependence on fertilizers and pesticides.

Modernizing agriculture through the application of biotechnology can lead to higher crop productivity and farm profitability (Singh et. al., 2018). Also, biotechnology can be a useful tool to improve soil health, crop quality, and disease management. Thus, high-valued crops like abaca and soybean would greatly benefit from this technology. Abaca is the most important fiber crop in the country. Boosting the country's economy from its export earnings with an annual average of P4.7 billion. Currently, the Philippines is the largest producer of abaca fibers supplying about 87% of the world's requirements. In the Philippines, Caraga Region ranks number four top abaca-producing regions. Abaca production in the country has been threatened by a bunchy top virus, the most injurious virus which can significantly lower fiber quality and hinders plant growth (PCAARRD, 2017). Transmission of this virus is facilitated using infected planting materials. However, this can be suppressed or prevented by producing disease-free planting materials and early detection using molecular diagnostics (Bajet and Magnaye, 2002).

Project Title: R&D Program on the Use of Biotechnology to Modernize Production of High Value Crops (AgBioModerna)

Researchers: Elizabeth P. Parac, Leo Jude D. Villasica, Rezel S. Borines, Nic Oswald M. Borines, Joanne A. Langres, Reuben James C. Rollon, Sharyl Mae M. Daverao, Adam Lambaco,, Jason C. Gambuta, Nancy Doloriel

Official Logo Brand of the Program

Field sampling in Soybean Area at Trento

Field sampling in Soybean Area at San Miguel

Abaca Sampling in San Miguel