Philippine Research Tackles Induction of Disease Resistance in Abaca

The National Abaca Research Center (NARC) in the Visayas State University of the Philippines is looking into abaca's innate resistance to fungal diseases such as Fusarium wilt to bring about disease resistance in the said crop and thus increasing yield.

The study, supported by the Department of Agriculture-Biotechnology Program (DA-Biotech), makes use of the Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) Induction method which stimulates the plant's defense systems using various compounds. It also intends to develop a new and effective disease management strategy against the Panama disease and increase the plant's resistance to a broad spectrum of other diseases. Preliminary results have shown a delay on the onset of disease by up to three weeks. With the Philippines as the producer of 80% of abaca fiber in the world market, this research ultimately aims to further strengthen the abaca industry as a major economic pillar.

For more information about this research, please contact the NARC Director Dr. Ruben M. Gapasin (rmgapasin1952@yahoo.com), or Dr. Antonio Alfonso of DA-Biotech (biotechpiu@yahoo.com). DA-Biotech's info brief about this research, and other biotech updates in the Philippines may be found at the website of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture Biotechnology Information Center (SEARCA BIC).