DOST-CAR provincial directors discuss with agricultural technician Ed David (second from right) the benefits of the PNRI-developed carrageenan plant growth promoter.
CAR science heads eye seaweed plant food to boost upland crop yield
The plant growth promoter (PGP) made from seaweeds is now poised to hie-off to the highlands to deliver the same benefits it brought to lowland crops. Developed by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) using irradiation technology, the seaweed-derived PGP has been proven to increase yield and make crops resistant to pests and extreme weather.
The PGP, also called plant food, has also shown to improve vegetables grown in the uplands after successful tests on rice, legumes, corn, banana, and other vegetables. This gained the interest of the DOST provincial directors in the Cordillera Region.
“We can do technology demos and field tests. We will support you,” told Ed David to the directors in a meeting on May 21 during the SM Malls x DOST Exhibits Opening in SM Baguio. David is an agricultural technician of the Vitalgro Foliar Fertilizer of VVZ Corporation, a commercial adoptor of the PGP.
In the said meeting, David shared their experiences on the effects and benefits of Carrageenan PGP to various farming communities in Region III. Describing the foliar fertilizer as a cheaper alternative to other commercial plant supplement, David revealed that using PGP resulted in a higher harvest yield and better protection from pests and extreme weather.
Extracted from red edible seaweed, also called as “guso” or “gulamang dagat”, the PGP fertilizer is a “green technology” for being environment friendly. It serves as a natural pest repellent and an attractant to beneficial insects such as aphids and beetles.
He also offered to facilitate technology demos and trials in the Cordilleras, which the directors welcomed, considering the farming associations in the highlands that produce rice, fruits, and vegetables. Further, the directors proposed that the PGP technology be featured in a regional S&T caravan to be held within the year which will travel across all provinces of the Cordillera Region.
The interest on the carrageenan PGP sparked during a technology presentation of PNRI for DOST-CAR regional and provincial heads. “Its proven effectiveness on vegetables made us realize that it will be very helpful to our stakeholders here in CAR,” Regional Director Nancy Bantog said.
Nuclear-developed technologies like the Carrageenan PGP are being licensed and adopted. Carrageenan PGP’s adoptors include VitalGro Foliar Fertilizer and Aqua Oro Philippines. Individuals or firms interested with PNRI’s technologies may coordinate with the PNRI Business Development Section of the Technology Diffusion Division via hotline at 02-8929 6011 to 19 extension 232 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. [By Nuclear Information and Documentation Section, DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute]
DOST-PNRI delegates and DOST-CAR officials headed by Dr. Nancy Bantog (second from left, front row) agree to promote the Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter in the Cordillera Region through technology demos, trials, and caravan.
The DOST-PNRI-developed Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter which increases yield and improves quality of crops is commercialized and labeled by Vitalgro Foliar Fertilizer (left) and Aqua Oro Philippines (right). [Photos lifted from Vitalgro and Aqua Oro FB Pages]
