The Philippine Journal of Crop Science

Elucidating the Genetic Architecture of Cooking and Eating Quality of Rice with Similar AAC by SNP Genotyping in ApoxIR64 Mapping Population

2025-09-28T12:18:03+00:00

Quality parameters are key indicators for selecting advanced breeding programs. As a core indicator of grain quality, amylose content (AC) does not always provide a comprehensive representation of the pasting profile or cooked rice quality. Apo and IR64 are rice varieties that belong to the intermediate AC class but exhibit distinct cooking and eating characteristics, whereas other grain components are known to be associated with these differences. This study investigated genetic variations in the pasting properties of rice associated with cooking and eating quality traits using genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a mapping population derived from IR64 and Apo, which have similar apparent amylose content (AAC). Genome-wide SNPs identified 27 main-effect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with cooking and eating quality parameters on seven chromosomes (1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11). The results revealed novel QTLs for AC, pasting properties, and protein content in rice from a population with parents having similar AAC. Moreover, putative functional SNPs in the promoter and 5' untranslated region of the Wx gene were identified via in silico analysis. These findings will contribute to further understanding the genetics controlling the cooking and eating quality of rice, specifically the AC, pasting profile, and protein content.

A 24-Year Longitudinal Analysis (2000–2023) of Philippine Media Coverage of Agri-Biotechnology

2025-09-28T12:19:04+00:00

The media impacts public understanding of technology and motivates opinions on a number of controversial topics. To understand the media representation of modern biotechnology in the Philippines, a 24-year (2000-2023) longitudinal analysis was conducted covering 2,525 articles from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, and BusinessMirror. Results of previous analyses (2000-2009 and 2010-2016) were compared with the latest analysis that covered 286 articles from 2017 to 2023, particularly on the following variables: article type, section, topic and focus, source of information, framing category, keyword, and metaphors used, and tone of articles. Chi-Square Tests of Independence, Fisher's Exact Test, and Correspondence Analysis were used to examine the associations between various categorical variables in the 2017-2023 analysis, and trends of news coverage on agricultural biotechnology in four major Philippine newspapers were identified. The government has remained the top source of information cited in the articles since 2000. Public accountability/governance and social progress/economic development have continued as the top two frames used by the writers over the years. Genetic modification and biotechnology remained as major keywords used to refer to the technology since 2000. The use of fear-based metaphors has declined over the years. Articles from the Philippine Daily Inquirer shifted from generally negative to mostly neutral, while the articles from other newspapers were predominantly positive in the latter years. Of the four newspapers, BusinessMirror exemplified consistent and evidence-based coverage of the technology through the years. Statistical test results showed that the word GMO is the most used keyword across all tones, mostly for positive articles. Recommendations include continuous and quality engagements with media practitioners and key stakeholders, the formation of a fact-checking body to prevent the spread of misinformation, and the inclusion of other media channels in future research for a more holistic analysis.

Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Treatment to Improve Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Two Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) Varieties

2025-09-28T12:20:18+00:00

This study explores the application of non-thermal atmospheric plasma treatment to improve seed germination and seedling characteristics of two varieties of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus var. ‘Smooth Green’ and ‘Red Ruby’) seeds. Two variants of Okra were obtained, with 660 seeds each. Seeds were directly treated with atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) and subjected to germination testing and seedling characterization and compared with untreated seeds. Both germination testing and seedling characterization were done in split-plot design in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with APP treatment as the main factor and the variety as the subplot with 3 replicates per treatment and 2 subsample of 30 seeds each. Germination was observed daily for 14 days, and sowing commence thereafter for 2 wks. Characteristics such as germination index, germination percentage, time spread of germination, mean germination time, were determined. Further, seedling shoot and root length and total plant length and vigor index II were also determined after sowing the seedlings in pots with moist coir dust. Data was analyzed using two-way Analysis of variance. In all parameters observed, significant differences were observed for both germination and seedling characteristics. Higher germination percentage, more uniform and earlier germination with shorter germination time were observed on APP treated seeds. Generally, longer plants as indicated by longer shoot and root lengths were observed on APP treated seeds across varieties. In terms of germination index, APP treated seeds also had higher germination and more vigorous seedlings compared to untreated seeds across varieties. These findings suggest that direct non-thermal atmospheric plasma exposure may be effective at stimulating rapid germination and seedling growth for both ‘Red Ruby’ and ‘Green Smooth’ varieties.

Effects of Irradiated Carrageenan Biostimulant and Water-Based Enhancements on the Germination and Seedling Performance of Commercial F1 Hybrid Tomato

2025-09-28T12:13:41+00:00

Seeds of commercial F1 hybrid tomato varieties Fantastic F1 and Diamante max F1 were subjected to water and irradiated carrageenan biostimulant (ICB) treatments. It was aimed at determining the efficacy of the different treatments and the response of hybrid tomato seeds as measured by different germination and seedling quality indicators. Results showed that treatments significantly improved all indicators for Diamante Max across treatments. Similar results were obtained for Fantastic except for percent germination and germination index, which were not statistically different across treatments. ICB treatments were generally better than water treatments, though increasing rate of ICB showed reduction in improvement. Nonetheless, 1% ICB solution yielded the maximum values across indicators in both seed lots. In comparison to untreated seeds, 1% ICB differed by 8.80% - 183.56% on Diamante Max and 6.25% - 78.2% in Fantastic across indicators. Thus, ICB based seed priming was shown to improve germination and seedling indicators in hybrid tomato varieties. While some inconsistent observations were attributed to experimental limitations. Recommendations are forwarded.

Characterization and Phenotypic Trait Analyses of Five Dendrobium Species

2025-09-28T12:29:55+00:00

Phenotyping of 50 Dendrobium genotypes belonging to five Dendrobium species including Dendrobium anosmum (Lindl.), Dendrobium aphyllum (Roxburgh) C.E.C Fisch., Dendrobium crumenatum Swartz, Dendrobium profusum, and Dendrobium bullenianum Rchb.f., and pollen fertility testing of selected D. anosmum genotypes was conducted to characterize and analyze them morphologically in terms of flower, leaf spike traits and growth habit. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the different quantitative traits evaluated grouped them into 16 principal components, wherein the first four components have Eigenvalues greater than one and, they have contributed 80.93% of the total cumulative variability. Fifteen phenotypic traits have high variances as shown by the four most important principal components, and these have significance to the different genotypes since they can be used as basis for selection in breeding work to improve the Dendrobium orchid. The relationship of the different quantitative traits was subjected to correlation circle analysis, and it revealed that flower width, flower length, petal length, dorsal and lateral sepal length, lip length, lip width, peduncle length, petal thickness and flower lifespan are positively correlated. Furthermore, Agglomerative hierarchal clustering analysis indicated that the 50 individual Dendrobium genotypes clustered into three classes with different class sizes. The dendrogram showed a highly branched structure indicating a high variability among the 50 Dendrobium genotypes, suggesting a wide window for selection of desirable genotypes. The Dendrobium selections that are floriferous with big flowers included: Genotype #3 from D. anosmum, Genotype #20 from D. aphyllum and Genotype #32 from D. cremenatum.

Effects of Different Tillage and Cropping Systems on the Productivity of Maize (Zea mays L.) and Soybean (Glycine max L.) in Nueva Ecija, Philippines

2025-09-28T12:21:05+00:00

Intercropping can improve agronomic nitrogen use efficiency (aNUE), land equivalent ratio (LER), and productivity compared to monocropping. A study conducted in Nueva Ecija examined five cropping systems: monocrop maize (M), monocrop soybean (S), maize-soybean intercropping (M+S), soybean with Rhizobium inoculant (SwR), and maize-soybean intercropping with Rhizobium inoculant (M+SwR). These systems were further evaluated under two tillage systems: conventional tillage (CT) and reduced tillage (RT). The study examined the response of different cropping and tillage systems on agronomic traits, yield performance, and economic profitability. The intercrop of maize (0.53) and soybean (1.18) resulted to higher aNUE of 1.71 compared to monocrop of the two commodities. In addition, net income of M+S in reduced tillage system was increased to PhP 177,787.00, with an average LER of 1.70. However, tillage systems did not significantly affect the agronomic or yield components of maize and soybean which can be attributed to less sensitivity to the type of tillage used. Meanwhile, plant height (213.70 cm) and grain yield (5.99 Mg ha^-1) of maize were higher in monocropping than in intercropping. Similarly, the harvest index of soybean was highest in monocropping at 0.33 among cropping systems. Although monocropping provided higher yields compared to maize-soybean intercropping, this yield advantage did not necessarily translate to economic benefits. The study highlights the economic, aNUE, and LER benefits of intercropping. However, realizing these benefits in agricultural practice will require advancements in technology and farmer training. Further research is recommended to explore these systems' effects on production in marginal or less fertile soils, focusing on the role of inoculation and cropping systems.

Tensile Strength Variation Among Abaca (Musa textilis Née) Cultivars in Aklan, Province, Philippines

2025-09-28T12:25:29+00:00

Abaca (Musa textilis Née), also known as Manila hemp, is a vital natural fiber-producing plant in the Philippines, mainly cultivated for its highly durable fibers. Five locally described Abaca cultivars found in Aklan province: Bisaya, Agbayanon, Tabukanon, Totoo, and Negro, which are widely cultivated for fiber production. However, limited research has been conducted to classify their fiber grades, lack comprehensive characterization, and comparison of fiber tensile strength between pseudostem layers (inner and outer) and across cultivars. This hinders the full utilization of Abaca fibers and guides for cultivar-specific production that produces high-quality Abaca fibers. This study investigated the tensile strength of Abaca cultivars in Aklan using one-way ANOVA and other statistical tests to confirm differences within the group. Results showed Agbayanon, Bisaya, and Tabukanon produced S3 (outer) and S2 (inner), while Totoo also produces an S2 (outer) and EF fiber (inner). In contrast, Negro provides JK fiber grade for both layers. Among cultivars, Totoo demonstrated the lowest values in gram force (outer = 2,714; inner = 2,858), but high tensile strength in terms of MPa (outer = 848; inner = 892) and kilogram force (outer = 57.52; inner = 60.65), the only fiber/cultivar exceeding PNS standards (35 to 55 kg/g.m) recommended for fiber production and textile. In contrast, Negro showed high gram force (outer = 7782; inner = 4121) but was weakest in MPa (outer = 389; inner = 206), suited for industrial applications. Meanwhile, Agbayanon had the gram force (outer = 7,888; inner = 6,437) and ranked second in MPa (outer = 616; inner = 503), suited for versatile applications. Bisaya and Tabukanon, on the other hand, demonstrated consistent mid-to-high tensile values suitable for moderate strength processing. The study's findings provide valuable information for developing cultivar-specific production policies that encourage farmers, producers, and stakeholders to plant cultivars that produce high-value and export-quality Abaca fibers that meet the Philippine National Standards.

Spatial Patterns, Farmer Practices, Rice Yield, and Socio-Economic Profile of Triple-Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Monocropping in the Bago River Irrigation System, Negros Occidental, Philippines

2025-09-28T12:26:02+00:00

The triple-crop rice monocropping system is commonly practiced in areas covered by the Bago River Irrigation System (BRIS) in Negros Occidental, Philippines. The study aimed to assess the spatial extent of triple-rice cropping in the province and BRIS and evaluate farming practices, rice yield, and the economic status of local farmers to identify information needs and challenges. Maps generated accounted for 90% accuracy, and results showed that Bago City and Valladolid had the largest third-crop rice areas. A survey was conducted with 240 farmer respondents from six Irrigators’ Associations (IAs) of BRIS, using stratified sampling, providing a 95% confidence level with a 5% margin of error. The survey revealed that 93.3% of farmers grow five rice crops every two years or practice one to two rice crops per year, while 4.6% plant rice in all three cropping seasons over the two years. Early-maturing rice varieties and direct-seeding methods were commonly used by farmers to shorten the cropping period per season, enabling the triple-crop system. The study’s objectives aimed to provide insights that can guide sustainable farming practices, improve policy decisions, and support increased rice production capacity to address the food security issues in the region.