Researchers at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) found that a certain bacteria enhances growth, root development, and grain yield of upland rice varieties. The study, Exploring the potential of plant growth promoting actinomycetes to enhance upland rice production, led by Jayvee A. Cruz evaluated the effectiveness of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) in enhancing the growth and yield of upland rice. PGPB is recognized in agriculture in reducing the use […]

A Japanese Professor from Tohoku University recommended the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool to rice researchers in helping farmers cope with climate change. LCA, according to Professor Masanori Sato, is a technique that enables industries to identify the resource flows (water and energy inputs), and environmental impacts (GHG emissions) associated with the provision of products and services. Researchers and decision makers will find LCA useful in giving concrete recommendations to […]

Patin-Ay, Agusan del Sur – Farmers in Agusan del Sur are now equipped with knowledge on how to cope with the impacts of climate change after  graduating  from a  4-month School On the Air (SOA) training program conducted by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). Titled “Giya sa Responsableng Pagpanguma” or Guide in Responsible Farming, PhilRice Agusan assisted 250 rice farmers, agriculture students and faculty of Agusan del Sur State […]

Eight of the best suman makers in Aurora competed during the Farmers’ Day, in what was to be their first official attempt at using unpolished or “brown” rice in creating the best tasting suman, 15 February. “Every year, the local government holds a Pinaka Contest. This 2016, we are holding the Pinakamasarap na Brown Rice Suman as suman is one of the most sought-after delicacy  that visitors and tourists buy […]

The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) honored two researchers of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) during the graduation of the Middle Managers’ Class 8 of the academy’s Public Management Development Program (PMDP) at the DAP Conference Center in Tagaytay, 29 January. Senior Science Research Specialist Rhemilyn Z. Relado led the graduates as class valedictorian and received the Most Relevant Re-Entry Project (ReP) Award.  The initiative titled Binhi para […]

Scientists at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) have adapted a simplified method to detect viruses in plant and insect vectors using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique. LAMP assay has been proven useful in detecting viruses in animals and humans, said Dr. Emmanuel Tiongco. His team, composed of Dr. Xuan Hoai Truong, Ms. Ma. Johna Duque, and Dr. Rubigilda Paraguison-Alili (Central Luzon State University), extended the application of this […]

The direct seeding, a crop establishment method where pre-germinated seeds are sown directly onto the soil surface, can help address high labor cost in rice farming according to experts. PhilRice Agronomist Myrna D. Malabayabas said that the method can be done either by dry or wet seeding and does not require seedbed preparation. “The dry direct-seeding method is more commonly used in rainfed and upland areas. It involves sowing of […]

A new rice seed processing facility was established at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in the Science City of Muñoz to help farmers and seed growers in neighboring provinces have an access to high-quality seeds. These seeds have high seedling vigor, meaning, they have a good survival rate and root anchorage, which leads to a higher yield advantage. The facility worth more than $2 M is funded by the […]

  Access to online journal databases such as Springer, Science Direct, and Proquest Agriculture now available at the PhilRice Library. Library services also open to non-PhilRice staff members. They just need to coordinate with the Institute’s librarian: library@philrice.gov.ph. These new services received funding support from the DA National Rice Program through the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research.   Researchers at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) are now able to access […]

Rice-based farming will increase farmers’ income and consumers will have healthier options according to Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco Jr., of the National Academy for Science and Technology (NAST) and a former executive director of PhilRice. The said approach requires diversification, integration, and intensification of farming practices. “Instead of rice mono-cropping, farmers should also grow other crops, and livestock alongside rice. With the use of existing models like vermiculture, mushroom production, […]