College of Agriculture and Food Science
activated. updated.
November 1-30, 2017 Official Publication of the UPLB College of Agriculture and Food Science
Patent for invention awarded to IPB/ICropS
faculty-researchers
T he invention “Papaya ACC oxidase gene and its use” was
granted a Patent Protection by the Intellectual Property
Office of the Philippines. This technology was generated by a
team of IPB/ICropS faculty-researchers led by Dr. Pablito M. Mag-
dalita; with Dr. Antonio C. Laurena, Renelle C. Yebron, and Ma.
Teresa M. Perez as co-researchers.
What are ACC oxidase gene and the invention all about?
ACC (Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylic Acid) oxidase gene is a
precursor of the plant hormone called ethylene which regulates
fruit ripening. The gene was isolated from the papaya fruit, cloned
in a vector or carrier, and placed in antisense orientation or re-
verse order to reduce the amount of ethylene produced which,
when used to develop transgenic papaya, will delay the ripening
process; thus, extending the shelf-life of the papaya fruit.
The move to patent this invention was initiated by the UPLB
Center for Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship (CTTE)
and approved by the Philippine Patent Office on November 2015.
This invention was also given recognition by the CTTE during its
10th year anniversary last October 17-18. The patent is applicable
for 20 years, starting from the date of its filing in 2008. (Laureano
B. Lanosia, Jr./Pablito M. Magdalita)
2 new UPLB rice varieties
for irrigated lowland
T wo promising rice lines (C9301-B-2-1-2-2 and C9222-B-
2-2-1-2), developed by the UPLB College of Agriculture
and Food Science (CAFS) Rice Varietal Improvement Team, were
recently recommended for seed increase and release as new in-
bred rice varieties for irrigated lowland by the Rice Technical
Working Group of the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) last
November 29.
C9301-B-2-1-2-2 is recommended for the Visayas region for
transplanted method. It has a mean yield of 5.76 t/ha across dry
and wet seasons. Likewise, it has intermediate reaction to hop-
pers and resistance to white and yellow stem borers. On the oth-
er hand, C9222-B-2-2-1-2, which is recommended for the Visayas
and Mindanao areas, yields an average of 5.7 t/ha across dry and
wet seasons. It has intermediate reaction to blast, stem borers,
green leafhoppers and brown plant hoppers. Both lines have good
eating quality, and are described to be cohesive and tender when
cooked.
These promising lines will have its NSIC-designated variety
name in 2018. (Ann Mylalulex A. Magnaye)
Volume 6 No. 11
NCPC co-sponsors
4th NBPH forum
T he National Crop Protection Cluster (NCPC),
together with the Bayer Philippines and the Phil-
ippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), brought togeth-
er brown planthopper scientists, plant breeders, decision
makers, media practitioners and farmers for the National
Brown Plant Hopper (NBPH) forum titled “A Closer
Look at Brown Planthopper” held last November 14 in
Los Baños, Laguna.
Approximately 100 rice stakeholders in Laguna gath-
ered to get updates on the extent of BPH damage, cur-
rent control measures available and latest host resistance
technology against BPH. The NBPH Scientific Forum has
been a venue for discussion and future collaboration
among rice stakeholders, recognizing that they all play
important roles in uplifting the lives of the Filipino rice
farmers.
The plenary session was held at the SEARCA Audito-
rium. Among the speakers during the forum were: Dr.
Sailila E. Abdulah, acting executive director of the Phil-
Rice; Dr. Recher Ondap, head of Seeds, PH from Bayer,
Philippines; Dr. Buyung A.R. Hadi, Scientist II and ento-
mologist from the International Rice Research Institute;
Wilma Cuaterno, chief, Crop Pest Management Division
of the Bureau of Plant Industry and Dr. Genaro S. Rillon,
chief science research specialist and head of the Crop
Protection Division of the PhilRice, City of Munoz, Nueva
Ecija.
Dr. Gil Magsino, NCPC director, distributed certifi-
cates of appreciation after the forum while Deputy Direc-
tor and Scientist Mario Navasero closed the forum after a
half day field trip and demonstration at Calauan, Laguna
seed stations of Bayer, Philippines.
Dr. Bonifacio Cayabyab, Dr. Pablito Gonzales and
Melvin Ebuenga (NCPC entomologists and division heads)
were also present during the event. Other NCPC staff
who attended the forum were Michelle Guerrero, one of
the emcees and moderators, Maureen Ceres de Roxas,
and Ruby dela Cruz who documented the event with
Mary Joy Mendoza, Gideon Aries Burgonio and Karen
Ardez. (Ruby G. dela Cruz, with excerpts from NBPH souve-
nir program)
Page 2
NCPC & CAFS
Publications Section
join Organic Agriculture
& Agri-Fishery Congress
T he NCPC and the CAFS Publications Section participated in
the 4th Laguna Organic Agriculture and 1st Agri-Fishery Con-
gress” held last Nov. 13-17 at the provincial capitol grounds in Sta. Cruz,
Laguna.
Some posters and publications on crop protection were displayed
by the NCPC while the Publications Section conducted book sales.
The five-day event was sponsored by the provincial government of
Laguna, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist; featuring trade
fair and exhibits, technology fora/updates, and interactive activities like
corn husk handicrafts and painting contests, mass-graduation of Farmer
Field School graduates, fishery convention and fun run. (RG dela Cruz)
NCPC & CAFS
Publications Section
participate in
NBW techno exhibit
T he NCPC and the CAFS Publications Section conducted exhibit
and book sale during the 13th National Biotechnology Week
(NBW) celebration held at the Expo Hall, Fisher Mall, Quezon City last
November 20-24.
Participating agencies showcased current biotechnology initiatives
and homegrown technologies. There were interactive booth games that
made the event more exciting and created more opportunities to en-
gage with guests.
The week-long NBW activities had the theme, “Bioteknolohiya para
sa Kalikasan, Kalusugan, Kagandahan, Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran” with ta-
gline “Lamang ang Masa at Magsasaka sa Limang “K” ng Bioteknolohiya”.
The celebration marks the sustained efforts of concerned national gov-
ernment agencies to consolidate yearly advances in biotechnology as
well as to plan and prepare concrete efforts to sustain the gains and
improve more lives. (RG dela Cruz)
The College of Agriculture Monthly Newsletter
is published through the Office of the Dean,
College of Agriculture and Food Science,
UPLB, College, Laguna
Advisers: Dean Enrico P. Supangco
Associate Deans Tonette P. Laude & Jocelyn D. Labios
Editor/Layout Artist: Apolinario L. Lantican
Contributors: Erlinda A. Balot, Ruby G. dela Cruz, Myrna S. Galang,
Imelda M. Gesmundo, Laureano B. Lanosia, Jr., Pablito M. Magdalita,
Ann Mylalulex A. Magnaye and Matilde V. Maunahan
Circulation Officer: Venecia B. Batain
CAFS Monthly Newsletter
DTRI turns 55
L ast November 1, the Dairy Training
and Research Institute (DTRI) turned
55 years old. Then, last November 8-9, DTRI
celebrated its anniversary with the theme,
“Revitalizing DTRI research and extension functions
for a vibrant local dairy industry”.
In 2004, DTRI was clustered to the Institute
of Animal Science (IAS), forming the Animal and
Dairy Sciences Cluster upon the re-organization
of the College of Agriculture (CA). CA was
later re-structured in February 2017 into the
College of Agriculture and Food Science that
aims to address the value chain from primary
production in the farms to food on the table,
composed of nine institutes and centers that
included DTRI.
The first day of celebration comprised
DTRI staff team building exercises and a UPLB
research forum for possible research and exten-
sion collaborations between DTRI and other
UPLB units . The team building activity at the
DTRI Grounds started with a flag raising cere-
mony with Dean Enrico P. Supangco and IAS
Director Elpidio M. Agbisit, Jr. as guests, fol-
lowed by a thanksgiving mass, team building
games and a boodle-fight lunch. The forum at
the IAS Lecture Hall was attended by research
and extension coordinators from the Agricultur-
al Systems Institute, the Institute of Human Nu-
trition and Food-College of Human Ecology, the
College of Public Affairs, the College of Veteri-
nary Medicine and the Department of Agribusi-
ness Management and Entrepreneurship-College
of Economics and Management; together with
representatives from the Nutrition and Animal
Healthcare Company, a dairy farmer, research
affiliates from IAS and DTRI staff.
On the second day, a dairy stakeholders’
consultation was conducted to review DTRI’s
contributions to the local dairy industry and to
present DTRI’s current thrusts and on-going
research and extension (R & E) involvements in
relation to the new developments in the indus-
try. It also served as a venue where the stake-
holders shared their experiences, problems and
suggestions in the different aspects of dairying in
relation to R & E activities. The funding institu-
tions shared information on how to avail of
funds for R & E while the service providers dis-
cussed how they can assist the farmers and oth-
er stakeholders. It was attended by dairy farm-
ers, owners of dairy multiplier farms, represent-
atives of funding institutions (Bureau of Agricul-
tural Research , PCAARRD, Department of Sci-
ence and Technology-Region IV-A), officers and
staff of the National Dairy Authority and the
Philippine Carabao Center-UPLB, faculty and
staff of IAS and DTRI, and other private groups
and individuals. (Myrna S. Galang)
CAFS Monthly Newsletter
PHTRC trains
South Cotabato
growers of
export `Bungulan’
T
he Postharvest Horticulture Training and
Research Center (PHTRC), in coopera-
tion with the Alter Trade Philippines, Inc. (ATPI)
and the Tupi Banana Growers Association
(TUBAGA) Producers Cooperative, conducted a
training on “Increasing the Marketability of
`Bungulan’ Banana through Postharvest Systems
Improvement” last November 15 at Tupi, South
Cotabato.
Forty farmers, harvesters, packinghouse
workers and officials of the cooperative actively
participated in the seminar which was aimed to
teach the basic concepts of properly handling ba-
nanas after harvest, and how to apply these in
actual postharvest operations for the export mar-
ket.
The project team, led by Dr. Perlita A. Nue-
vo, also reported the results of earlier field visits
and documentation of postharvest practices and
losses from the farm to the packing house, and the
need for continuing education of handlers along
the value chain by way of training and production
of information materials.
In February this year, officials of the TUBAGA
cooperative requested a training to help minimize
packing house rejects and increase the marketable
supply of `Bungulan’ bananas for export. This is
imperative since ATPI, the company exporting
organically grown banana, now needs more quality
fruits for shipment not only to Japan but also to
South Korea.
The training is part of an ongoing collabora-
tive research project titled “Application of im-
proved postharvest handling techniques of banana
grown by farmers in the Philippines” which is
funded by the Republic of Korea through the
Rural Development Administration-Asian Food
and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative. (Matilde V.
Maunahan)
FEEDBACK
For comments/suggestions,
just e- mail:
apolinariolantican@yahoo.com
Editor, CAFS Monthly Newsletter
AgriBookstore, IH Complex,
UPLB Campus, College, Laguna
We encourage every CAFS constituent to
submit articles about CAFS activities, person-
nel news and other significant events.
Page 3
FOREIGN TRAVELS*
 Dr. Desiree M. Hautea, professor, Institute of Plant Breeding
(IPB); participated in the Asian Regional Meeting of the Parties to
the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (Cop Mop) 2017; Kuala

Lumpur, Malaysia; November 5-8
Dr. Filma C. Calalo, assistant professor, Agricultural Systems
Institute; served as visiting lecturer for the Post Graduate and
Undergraduate Programs of Gadja Mada University; Yogyakarta,
Indonesia; November 7-11
 Dr. Enrico P. Supangco, dean and professor, College of Agri-
culture and Food Science and Institute of Animal Science, respec-
tively; attended the Asia-Pacific Symposium on Sustainable Food
Systems for Healthy Diets and Improved Nutrition in Bangkok,
Thailand; November 9-12
 Arlan James D. Rodeo, assistant professor, Institute of Crop
Science (ICropS); attended the Asia-Pacific Symposium on Sus-
tainable Food Systems for Healthy Diets and Improved Nutrition;
Bangkok, Thailand; November 9-12
 Dr. Lavernee S. Gueco, university researcher, IPB; participated
in the MusaNet Regional Workshop on Musa Characterization
and Documentation; Malaysian Agricultural Research and Devel-
opment Institute, Jerangu Station, Terengganu, Malaysia; Novem-
ber 11-19
 Dr. Susan C. Aquino-Ong, associate professor, ICropS; pre-
sented a paper titled, “Balancing Cultural Landscapes and Urbani-
zation in the Philippines: Challenging National Identity and Sus-
tainable Future”; South Korea; November 16-21
 Dr. Gina V. Pangga, associate professor, ASI; participated in
the China-Asian Workshop on Biochar Production and Applica-
tion for Green Agriculture; Nanjing, China; November 16-22
 Bong M. Salazar, assistant professor, ICropS; presented a pa-
per titled, “Profiling and analysis of reproductive phenology of
four coffee (Coffea spp.) species in the Philippines using the
BBCH- scale” at the International Tropical Agriculture Confer-
ence; Brisbane, Australia; November16-26
 Aida B. Lanaca, laboratory technician, Dairy Training and Re-
search Institute; participated in the refresher course titled,
“Entrepreneurship and Role of Women in Dairy Value Chains”;
Pakistan; November 18- December 2
 Dr. Elmer C. Enicola, university researcher, IPB; met with
scientists and explored possible areas of collaboration on the best
practices on soybean production, postharvest and processing;
Indonesia; November 20-25
 Michelle S. Guerrero, university researcher, National Crop
Protection Center; attended the 4th Global Science Conference
for Climate Smart Agriculture; Johannesburg, South Africa; No-
vember 25-December 5
 Dr. Susan T. Bacud, university researcher, Institute of Weed
Science, Entomology and Plant Pathology; presented a paper ti-
tled, “Integration of indigenous and scientific knowledge in disas-
ter risk reduction: Building the livelihood resilience of a marginal-
ized sampaguita growing community in the Philippines” at the
International Conference on Building Resilience Using Scientific
Knowledge to Inform Policy and Practice in Disaster Risk Reduc-
tion; Bangkok, Thailand; November 27-29
*Prepared by Imelda M. Gesmundo and Erlinda A. Balot