PNRI Improves Adlai Crops with Irradiation Technology
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Top Photos: Ginampay variety of Adlai
Bottom Photo: A PNRI researcher measures the height of the putative mutant Adlai; its seeds were irradiated at a 100-gray (Gy) dose of gamma radiation
PNRI Improves Adlai Crops with Irradiation Technology
Helping to overcome Juan Dela Cruz’s challenges in agricultural production and food security, agriculture research specialists from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) are developing better varieties of Adlai or Job’s Tears, which may serve as a substitute to the country’s staple food crops such as rice and corn.
While just as rich in carbohydrates and protein, Adlai is unfortunately not as well-known as its cousin crops, except among the indigenous communities. In other Asian countries, Adlai is also used to produce flour, coffee, tea, wine, beer and vinegar, among other products. Adlai also has some medicinal properties that can help mitigate the symptoms of allergies, diabetes and even cancer. Lastly, Adlai is also known for its resilience in the face of extreme conditions, such as droughts and typhoons.
With the unique advantage of gamma radiation, PNRI has been working since 2013 to improve the agronomic traits of Adlai by making mutant varieties that yield more grain and mature earlier, while also having shorter heights to make the crops more resistant to lodging during typhoons. These improvements will also complement the Food Staples Sufficiency Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA), which encourages the diversification of staple food crops beyond rice by increasing production, ensuring market availability and lowering its prices.
Researchers from the PNRI Agriculture Research Section used the Ginampay variety of Adlai for mutation breeding in the Institute’s experimental field, where the putative mutants are already in their third and fourth generations. After irradiating the seeds with doses of 100 to 200 gray (Gy), they are planted and grown for further observation.
The research and development studies currently show promising results as the putative mutant breeds yielded from 790 kilograms of grain per hectare (kg/ha) to as much as 900 kg/ha, which is around 30-50% higher than the yield of average crop breeds. Meanwhile, the putative Adlai mutants were also 40-57% shorter than the unirradiated Adlai.
Aside from developing mutant varieties, PNRI also seeks to improve the fertilizer, soil nutrient and water management practices for Adlai. Field experiments were also being conducted in partnership with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) under an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) project on “Enhancing Productivity of Locally-Underused Crops Through Dissemination of Mutated Germplasm and Evaluation on Soil, Nutrient and Water Management Practices”.
The PNRI researchers will continue to develop the Adlai crops up to the eighth generation to complete the mutation breeding process.
PH bags Atoms for Peace Award
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This article was published on Inquirer.net on April 2, 2016
FIGHTING TERRORISM Science Secretary Mario Montejo received on behalf of the Philippines the Atom for Peace Award signifying the country’s role in preventing terrorists from getting nuclear materials at the White House. AFP
PH bags Atoms for Peace Award
By Estrella Torres – Inquirer.net
The Philippines has won the prestigious Atoms for Peace Award at this year’s Nuclear Security Summit for its contribution to nuclear security and global leadership in removing highly enriched uranium from its territory.
Science Secretary Mario G. Montejo received the award at the Nuclear Industry Summit in Washington on Thursday, hosted by President Barack Obama.
Read the full article at Inquirer.net
Link: http://technology.inquirer.net/47510/ph-bags-atoms-for-peace-award
The Philippines Holds the 3rd Philippine Nuclear Congress
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International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Yukiya Amano (center) with DOST Secretary Mario Montejo (left) and PNRI Director Dr. Alumanda Dela Rosa (right) during the opening ceremonies of the 3rd Philippine Nuclear Congress at the Diamond Hotel in Manila
The 3rd PNC Technical Sessions at the ballroom of the Diamond Hotel in Manila
The Philippines Holds the 3rd Philippine Nuclear Congress
Continuing the stride for advancing nuclear applications for national development, the Philippines has recently held the Third Philippine Nuclear Congress (PNC) from December 7 to 9, 2015 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.
With the theme, Meeting Challenges through Nuclear Science and Technology for Sustainable Growth, around five hundred representatives and experts from the agricultural, industrial, medical, government and academic sectors, including key officials from international organizations attended the PNC as they assessed the current state and contributions of nuclear technology in the Philippines and reviewed the steps to be taken to harness these technologies for inclusive and sustainable growth.
The 3rd PNC was organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) along with several other partner agencies and scientific societies. The first and second Congresses were held twenty years apart, in 1976 and in 1996, respectively.
“Indeed, the Philippines has come a long way in harnessing nuclear science and technology for country development,” said DOST Secretary Mario Montejo in his inspirational message during the opening ceremonies on December 7.
“Though still not adequately known, the country has posted significant strides in harnessing the power of the atom in the fields of agriculture, health, industry and the environment, as well as in fostering nuclear safety, safeguards and security”
The Secretary mentioned several of these technologies developed in no small part through the efforts of PNRI and cooperating research agencies, such as the plant growth promoters developed from radiation-processed seaweed extracts, and precision farming methods using stable isotopes.
No less than Director General Yukiya Amano of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) graced the opening of the Congress as its guest of honor and keynote speaker. The Director General applauded the contribution of Filipino scientists, researchers and regulators in the IAEA’s various projects under the aim of Atoms for Peace and Development.
“More than three hundred Philippine nationals have served as international experts under our TC programme, sharing their knowledge and experience with other developing countries,” said Director General Amano.
Technical sessions and scientific exhibits were held during three days, where scientists, doctors, regulators, industrialists and government officials were met with a showcase of the latest nuclear and radiation technologies as well as the current issues that these applications may solve.
Another key aspect of the 3rd PNC is its renewed focus on the youth sector through the launching of the First Philippine Nuclear Youth Summit on the first day, where hundreds of students from high school and college levels as well as teachers, professors and young professionals were inspired by the experiences in the nuclear field as shared by Director General Amano himself along with other scientists and professionals.
This was followed by the National Level of the 2015 Philippine Nuclear Science Quiz, where the top secondary schools from across the DOST Regional Clusters competed in a contest of knowledge in the field of nuclear science and technology.
A healthy combination of international prestige, full inter-agency support, the presence and potential of the youth sector, and maximum participation by the audience made the 3rd PNC truly commendable, according to PNRI Director Dr. Alumanda Dela Rosa, who served as Co-Chairperson for the 3rd PNC.
During the closing ceremonies on the afternoon of December 9, the director thanked the participants and honored guests, and especially the men and women of PNRI for working hard in making the historic event possible. She also expressed her gratitude to the DOST, the IAEA and other partner agencies for their full support before and during the Congress.
Director Dela Rosa said that the resounding success of the three-day Congress will certainly prove to be a lesson and inspiration for future Congresses to come, which will hopefully be sooner and more frequent than the past ones.
“I hope it will not take us another twenty years to hold the 4th Philippine Nuclear Congress,” she said.
IAEA Director General Amano at the 3rd Philippine Nuclear Congress
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International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Yukiya Amano addresses the 3rd Philippine Nuclear Congress during its opening ceremonies on December 7 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila
(From Left) Department of Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute Director Dr. Alumanda Dela Rosa and Director General Amano officially opens the scientific exhibits of the 3rd Philippine Nuclear Congress
IAEA Director General Amano at the 3rd Philippine Nuclear Congress
Crowning the beginning of the Third Philippine Nuclear Congress this December 7, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Yukiya Amano returned to the Philippines as the guest of honor at the opening of the historic multi-sectoral forum.
Director General Amano, who was met with a warm welcome and an impressive roster of nuclear facilities and laboratories during his previous visit to the Philippines last January, said during his keynote address that “it somehow seems appropriate that [his] last trip of the year should also be to Manila.”
He acknowledged the role of Filipino experts in the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme, which is the primary avenue with which IAEA brings nuclear technology to its Member States. The Philippines has been a Member State of the IAEA since 1958, and has since been contributing to the United Nations agency through its expertise in nuclear R&D and regulatory functions.
“More than three hundred Philippine nationals have served as international experts under our TC programme, sharing their knowledge and experience with other developing countries.”
The Director General emphasized that the task of IAEA goes well beyond the nuclear weapons, as it continues to serve as a driving force in using nuclear science and technology in support of its Atoms for Peace and Development program. He also commended the efforts of the Philippines, particularly the PNRI, in developing nuclear and radiation applications that benefit not only the country, but also our fellow Member States in the Asia-Pacific Region and beyond.
“Our mandate is much broader than nuclear non-proliferation: it is to bring the benefits of nuclear science and technology to all humankind, while minimizing the risks.”
As for nuclear power in the Philippines, the Director General reiterated that while the IAEA does not intervene in a country’s decision to engage in a nuclear power program, the agency is always ready to assist countries that decide to use nuclear energy in a safe, secure and sustainable manner.
He highlighted the “striking overlap” between the various nuclear applications fostered by the IAEA and the United Nations’ seventeen Sustainable Development Goals, which aims to mitigate, if not solve, the issues of poverty, hunger, health, clean water, industry, energy and climate change.
Director General Amano was also present at the opening of the 1st Philippine Nuclear Youth Summit, where he advised the crowds of students and teachers that “nuclear science and technology is a very cool field to be in.”
“You will find it personally very rewarding and you will have an opportunity to contribute to the well-being and prosperity of your own country, and of the whole world.”
