30% More Rice! Carrageenan PGP Now Available in the Market
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Carrageenan PGP increases the yield and improves the quality of crops
30% More Rice! Carrageenan PGP Now Available in the Market
Filipino farmers can now look forward to a greater harvest, as the radiation-processed Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter (PGP) formulated by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is already available in the market!
The Carrageenan PGP is already being launched nationwide by various technology adopters, distributing it through various dealers, cooperatives and other possible arrangements. For an optimal amount of 9 liters per hectare, farmers could use the PGP along with conventional fertilizers.
According to PNRI Scientist Dr. Lucille Abad, the formula has been proven to increase rice yields by as much as 30% versus the yield from average farmer practices, while also making the crops more resistant to blight and infestation caused by tungro virus, and strengthening the crops' extensive root systems, which can better withstand the effects of lodging during typhoons.
The PGP also had the effect of driving away harmful pests without harming insects and arthropods which are naturally beneficial to crops. Not only does the PGP increase the number of cavans, but it also made each cavan heavier and fully-laden with rice. With the PGP, farmers could earn up to an additional Php 16,000, or more than $300 – an increase in income by over 19%.
Scientists from the DOST – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) developed the PGP from carrageenan, a natural polymer extracted from red seaweed. Using the fabricated liquid handling system at PNRI’s Electron Beam Irradiation Facility, the carrageenan solution is processed using electron beams into a foliar fertilizer sprayed at certain stages in the plant’s life.
The PGP was funded by the DOST – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and tested in cooperation with the University of the Philippines – Los Baños National Crop Protection Center (UPLB-NCPC).
The formula was set for field trials by the Department of Agriculture (DA) from 2015 to 2019 to cover several provinces in Luzon, Panay Island, Zamboanga and Davao, for a total of around 35,000 hectares of farmland. Farmers can maximize the potential yield of their crops when using PGP in conjunction with more efficient farming methods and proper timing.
Other food crops such as mungbean, peanut, leafy vegetables, corn, sugarcane, and banana are also being subjected to PGP field tests, where results showed an increase in yield by around 35% for mungbean and around 40% for peanut.
More than just improving the yield and agronomic traits, scientists are also pushing the limits of the PGP’s beneficial effects, particularly whether it can help crops survive in adverse conditions, which become increasingly likely due to climate change as well as natural disasters.
The Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) has certified the PGP for commercialization in rice, with plans to widen its coverage to include other crops in the near future.
Visit the Carrageenan PGP exhibit along with other marvels of nuclear science and technology at the 2019 National Science and Technology Week celebration from July 17 to 21 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
PNRI Features Nuclear Innovations at the 2019 NSTW
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PNRI Features Nuclear Innovations at the 2019 National Science and Technology Week
Featuring the latest Filipino-developed innovations in nuclear science and technology through its applications in agriculture, health, industry and disaster preparedness, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) joins in the celebration of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) to be held on July 17 to 21 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
With the theme, "Science for the People: Enabling Technologies for Sustainable Development", the 2019 NSTW will feature interactive exhibits that aim to address worldwide problems and contribute to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
For this year’s celebration, PNRI will exhibit several projects and technologies in the areas of energy, natural resources and environment on water and food, aging society, health and medical care, biodiversity and sustainable use of biological resources.
Among these innovations are the award-winning Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter that will improve the yield and quality of our food crops, development of the Sterile Insect Technique to reduce the population of dengue-carrying mosquitoes, isotope techniques for water resource management and detection of adulteration in condiments, and the local production of medical radiopharmaceuticals such as Technetium-99m for diagnosis of various diseases.
The Institute will also feature several projects on resilience and innovation, particularly the role of nuclear S&T in disaster preparedness and response. These include the operation of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) monitoring station, the establishment of a System for Online Monitoring of Environmental Radiation (SOMER) and the maintenance of the National Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (RADPLAN).
PNRI will also highlight its long-standing partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through the years, as part of the DOST’s effort to strengthen its international linkages.
Held annually every third week of July, the NSTW highlights the significant contributions of science and technology in the development of the country, serves as a platform for S&T advocacy and showcases a unique experience for the general public on how S&T work to improve the quality of life for Filipinos, according to the DOST.
Educators in Asia-Pacific Region Train the Trainers on Nuclear S&T for High School
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IAEA experts and participants of the IAEA Regional Workshop – Train the Trainers at the Rizal Park Hotel, Manila, Philippines
Educators in Asia-Pacific Region Train the Trainers on Nuclear S&T for High School
Leading science educators from countries across the Asia-Pacific region met with experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to spearhead the teaching of nuclear science and technology in secondary schools through the training of science teachers in innovative academic as well as extracurricular approaches.
The IAEA Regional Workshop – Train the Trainers was held at the Rizal Park Hotel from May 20 to 24, with representatives of education ministries and nuclear agencies from Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Oman, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Philippines.
Among the IAEA experts are Ms. Micah Pacheco, Regional Science Supervisor of the Department of Education - National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR), Dr. Sunil Sabharwal of India, formerly a technical officer for the IAEA, Mr. Dimas Irawan of the National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia, and Dr. Dave Grabaskas of the Argonne National Laboratory in the USA.
Beyond the technical aspect of nuclear science, such as the basics of atomic structure, radiation concepts and nuclear safety, the workshop also aims to make the teaching of nuclear science more fun and relatable to the youth. These include formulating classroom and extracurricular activities, as well as using modern media and technology as tools to communicate to students.
The participating educators also performed teaching demonstrations to show the actual integration of nuclear science with various topics of their expertise, such as in chemistry, physics, biology, and earth science, among others.
The regional workshop was hosted by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) under IAEA Project RAS0079 on Educating Secondary Students and Science Teachers on Nuclear Science and Technology.
DOST-PNRI has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with DepEd and the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) for implementing the project among secondary schools in the Philippines.
IAEA Regional Workshop on Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
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The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) hosted the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Regional Workshop on Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Examinaton Qualification and Certification Scheme Requirements in Accordance with the Latest Edition ISO 9712 and ISO 17024 at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria on May 6-10, 2019.
The event was attended by 20 foreign participants and 5 local representatives from PNRI NDT Team, Phil-NCB and PSNT.
