Bt Cotton Shows Adaptability in Ilocos Region
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In a pioneering move to boost the fiber industry in the Philippines, the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Industry (PhilFIDA) developed insect-resistant Bt cotton, which was approved for commercial propagation in 2023. The Department of Agriculture-Crop Biotechnology Center (DA-CBC) conducted an interview of key experts and documented the two-hectare technology demonstration of the promising Bt cotton technology at the Regional Office I in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, on March 5, 2024.
Bt cotton expresses the Bt fusion gene, GFM cry1A, produced based on the protein template of Cry1Ab and Cry1Ac proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis, a soil bacterium with natural insecticidal properties. Expressing the Bt fusion gene is highly beneficial for cotton plants in controlling bollworm infestation.
Present during the interview was Dr. Satish Kumar Raina, Head of R&D-Cotton of Nath Bio-Genes, which is a seed developer from India. He is also a fellow of the Indian Science Academy (INSA) and the National Academy of Agricultural Science (NAAS). He was joined by Dr. Leny C. Galvez, Scientist I and Bt cotton focal person at PhilFIDA; technical staff from PhilFIDA Region 1 headed by Engr. Gloria A. Rosario, and DA-CBC researchers.
"I consider this a milestone for the Philippines’s cotton industry. Utilizing Bt cotton technology has the potential to bring back the glory of the cotton industry in your country (Philippines)," Dr. Raina said, emphasizing the importance of this technology in addressing the country’s lack of good quality fiber.
He also envisions the country as cotton-sufficient, benefiting the farmers and their families. He challenged PhilFIDA to serve as a trailblazer of innovation for the sake of farmers.
Meanwhile, Engr. Rosario emphasized that since planting Bt cotton seeds, they have experienced minimal cost in farm inputs, especially in the use of fertilizer and pesticides. This breakthrough with Bt cotton technology could help make Region I become the highest cotton producer in the country.
In addition to the techno-demo planting sites in Ilocos, which will be harvested in the second week of April 2024, efforts are underway to engage cotton farmers from Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Saranggani, and South Cotabato.
Aligned with the Center’s goal of extending, promoting, and utilizing biotechnology across various crops, the DA-CBC's initiatives can support sharing information and promoting awareness among farmers and provide them with the opportunity to increase their overall productivity and income.
For more updates about crop biotech research in the Philippines, like and follow DA-CBC on Facebook.
Mr. Benson Z. Munar is a Science Research Analyst at the Department of Agriculture – Crop Biotechnology Center.
For further reading:
Philippines Approves Bt Cotton for Commercial Propagation
Bt Cotton Updates (Presentation Slides)
Pocket K No. 6: Bt Insect Resistant Technology
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