A PhilRice crop protection expert reminds farmers that early detection is the best way to prevent spread of diseases in rice.     Rice diseases are more prevalent during the rainy season as weather conditions are more conducive to disease development and severity. Dr. Jennifer T. Niones from the Crop Protection Division (CPD) of PhilRice mentioned bacterial leaf blight (BLB), fungal diseases like rice blast, sheath blight, and rice tungro […]

Three teams of PhilRice experts won awards in the 46th Crop Science Society of the Philippines (CSSP) Scientific Conference held in General Santos City, June 13-18. The study titled Potential of Algae as Aquaculture Feed Ingredient won the Best Paper award for downstream category. It was authored by researchers from the Rice Chemistry and Food Science Division (RCFSD) of PhilRice, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – National Freshwater […]

With the increasing per capita intake of rice in the country, researchers at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) are studying a way to eat healthier and diversify Filipinos’ diet. PhilRice food researchers explore the feasibility and consumer acceptability of adlai mixed with rice. They call it rice-adlai blend. “We chose adlai owing to its very similar characteristics with rice. True enough, our sensory evaluation showed that rice eaters find […]

Multi-awarded PhilRice researchers Dr. Roel Suralta, Dr. Sailila Abdula, and Jaime Manalo IV were once again recognized for their notable contributions to rice science and development. Suralta, Scientist I and Crop Biotechnology Center director, received the Eduardo A. Quisumbing Medal for basic research from the Department of Science and Technology- National Academy of Science and Technology (DOST-NAST). He was recognized for his study titled, Developmental and quantitative trait loci (QTL) […]

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has partnered with the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) to help the farmers increase their productivity by integrating dairy enterprise in rice production. The partnership is in support to PhilRice’s Palayamanan Plus, an intensified rice-based production system that focuses on increasing profitability in the rice environments through integration and diversification of farming components such as rice-based crop production, mushroom, livestock, and organic production for higher […]

The Rice Science Museum of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) highlighted the traditional farm implements and cultural music in celebration of the National Heritage Month. As part of the new exhibit titled, Transformation in Progress, farm implements such as araro (plow), lingkaw (scythe), bilao (winnow), and kareta (sled), which were gradually replaced with modern machines, are displayed.  An acoustic session called Awit, Palay, at Buhay was also conducted to […]

A research study found bio-pesticides or organic pesticides effective in managing rice pests and diseases. Often, bio-pesticides are used in vegetables. But the study titled Bio-pesticides: Pest management in rice conducted by PhilRice Isabela, and DA-Northern Cagayan Experiment Station (NCES) proved that they can also be effective in managing rice pests. Bio-pesticides are compounds derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms that contain natural deterrents and anti-microbial properties that help ensure […]

Experts at PhilRice alert farmers to prepare for the rainy season by using appropriate varieties and technologies in rice farming. Dr. Norvie Manigbas, head of PhilRice’s Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Division, advised farmers to plant varieties which stand at most 100 cm and with strong stems that can withstand 40-60 kph wind speed. Some of these varieties are PSB Rc14, Rc68, NSIC Rc9, and Rc222. “Rainfed areas are also prone […]

A PhilRice photographer recently won in the 5th IREX Make a Better World Photo Contest, May 10. The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX), a US-based non-profit organization, selected best images of scenes and individuals around the world that demonstrate one or more of four theme categories: empowering youth, cultivating leaders, strengthening institutions, and extending access to quality education and information. Jayson C. Berto, a videographer and writer from the […]

LIGAO CITY, ALBAY ― The PhilRice branch in Bicol is training farmers on agripreneurship in partnership with the local government of this city. The training program that started in January this year is in support of the Institute’s Rural Transformation Movement (RTM) to develop and promote rice-based enterprises. Key components of the program are record-keeping and marketing. Around 30 participants were taught on how to record their expenses such as […]