Studies conducted by Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) researchers were recognized as best scientific posters during the 27th Federation of Plant Science Association of the Philippines, Inc. (FPSAP) Scientific Conference held in Palawan, Aug. 27-Sept. 1.
With the theme “Innovative plant solutions for a sustainable and climate-smart agriculture,” the conference cited five PhilRice researches as best poster; two, second place; and three, third place.
Study titled, “Evaluation of genetic diversity and frequency high-value genes and QTLs in the selected PhilRice breeding panel” by Frodie P. Waing, Karla Mae R. Nonog, Gelyn D. Valida, Jelyn M. Manangkil, Raysha Ann Marie V. Garcia, Rustum C. Braceros, Joselito M. Dancel, Leonlila V. Gramaje, and Oliver E. Manangkil, won best poster in the Plant Breeding and Genetics category.
“Our findings imply limited genetic diversity, emphasizing the need for more germplasm to enhance it. Valuable genes should be integrated into mainstream breeding using marker-assisted methods, gene deployment, and line augmentation,” lead researcher Waing said.
“Is Philippine rice good for diabetics?: Assessing the vitro glycemic index of some non-waxy modern varieties” by Rosaly V. Manaois, Raffy B. Rodriguez, and Riza G. Abilgos-Ramos also won in the Health and Nutrition category.
The study examined 12 varieties of polished rice to understand their impact on blood glucose levels, particularly in diabetes. Researchers found that all the rice varieties studied had a moderate effect on blood glucose levels, with some variations based on their amylose content and other factors.
“This suggests that people should consume non-waxy rice varieties, which are commonly preferred by Filipinos, in moderation to maintain good health and prevent diabetes,” main author Manaois said.
For the Postharvest category, Lynnden C. Lucas, Amelia V. Morales, Rogelie B. Orga, Aldrian Loi M. Velayo, Camille A. Buenaventura, Geraldine G. Tayag, and Rosaly V. Manaois bested other posters for their study, “Upcycling Philippine rice wine (Tapuy) Lees: Formulation of nutrient-enhanced dried noodles.”
“In the Philippines, noodles are a beloved quick meal, and this study found that adding 15% tapuy lees flour to the noodle mix increased their protein content without changing the taste, while also being cost-effective and safe to consume,” study lead Lucas said.
The “Benchmarking and mapping of stress-prone (flood-prone, submergence-prone, drought-prone, saline-prone) rice ecosystems in Bicol Region towards reduced vulnerability and increased yield” study of Gian B. de Mesa, Denise Biance Y. Sadullo, and Victoria C. Lapitan won in the Technology Development and Commercialization category.
The study, funded by PhilRice and DA-Regional Field Office 5, from 2017 to 2019 assessed the vulnerability of rice ecosystems in the Bicol Region to climate change. They found that in 2019, 60% of the rice areas in Bicol (around 176,917.12 ha) were vulnerable to floods, droughts, submergence, or salinity. Of these, 30% (about 53,433.40 ha) experienced multiple stresses during extreme weather. These findings can help decision-makers, researchers, and farmers develop smart solutions to improve rice production and reduce vulnerability.
Meanwhile, “Rice Business Innovations System (RiceBIS)-expansion site in Remedios T. Romualdez and Buenavista, Agusan Del Norte experience” by Perlene R. Guindang, Sharenn T. Rivas, Sonny Jay G. Acosta, Agapito E. Licuna Jr., Eliza A. Rapil, Rhea M. Ballenas, Edel S. Moneva, Sherlyn Dawn T. Licuna, and Wilbert Jade A. Lorenzo reaped a win in the Socioeconomics category.
The study, conducted in Agusan del Norte, aimed to boost farm incomes in low-yield areas like Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR) and Buenavista by improving farming and business skills. It partnered with farmer groups, trained 415 farmers, increased yields to 4.6t/ha, and successfully launched a milled rice business for Hugpong Kalambuan Farmers Association. These efforts significantly raised household incomes in rice farming communities in RTR and Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, where the average rice yield is 3.89t/ha.
Other winners also include the following:
Technology Extension
“Understanding farmer’s use of IEC material to ensure its effectiveness” by Hanah Hazel Mavi B. Manalo, Anna Marie B. Berto, Jayson C. Berto, Girlie A. Carreon, Diadem G. Esmero, Christina A. Frediles, Diana P. Lim, Reuel M. Marmara, Kimberly D. Sahilan, Marelie D. Tangog, Vanessa A. Tingson, and Mervalyn O. Tomas (2nd Best Poster)
“Business development strategies toward empowered and resilient rice farming communities in Region 2 and CAR” by Ofelia C. Malonzo, Jaymar U. Ballad, Joanne Virgilia Adolfo, Virginia R. Abogado, Richzen G. Magno, Karen Grace C. Lipor, Rogelio G. Visitacion III, Jamie Roshelle V. Baligat, and Gerald Paul G. Aquino (3rd Best Poster)
Crop Physiology
“Enhanced root system development of rice via carbohydrate regulation under various phosphorous conditions” by Amabel H. Achuela, Jessa H. Rivera, Roel R. Suralta, Yoshiaki Inukai, Mana Kano-Nakata, Rebecca I. Santos, and Nonawin L. Agustin (2nd Best Poster)
“Assessment of root elongation in rice germplasm in response to nitrogen deficient condition” by Vanessa Mae M. Marilao, Teodora E. Mananghaya, Dionicko R. Arceo, Mitsuhiro Obara, and Jonathan M. Niones (3rd Best Poster)
Plant Breeding and Genetics
“QTL detection for root plasticity trait in rice under rewatering conditions” by Rebecca I. Santos, Joyce Rizza Lyne Nicole D.M. Minimo, Jonathan M. Niones, Roel R. Suralta, Yoshiaka Inukai, Mana-Kano Nakata, Franz Marielle Nogoy-Garcia, and Nonawin Lucob-Agustin (3rd Best Poster)
