PNRI Plant Growth Promoters Increase Rice Yield Up to 60%
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Plant Growth Promoters (PGPs) from carrageenan
The rice tungro experiments conducted at the University of the Philippines Los Baños
Senator Cynthia Villar (1st row, center), DOST Secretary Mario Montejo (1st row, 3rd from right), PNRI Director Dr. Alumanda Dela Rosa (2nd row, 3rd from left) and PNRI Chemistry Research Section Head Dr. Lucille Abad (1st row, 2nd from left) during the launching of the Plant Growth Promoters at the Farmer’s Field Day in Pulilan, Bulacan
PNRI Plant Growth Promoters Increase Rice Yield Up to 60%
Filipino farmers will soon be looking forward to a great harvest as radiation-modified Plant Growth Promoters (PGPs) can increase rice production to more than half the normal yield and protect them from infestation.
This breakthrough in Filipino agriculture was developed by scientists from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) in cooperation with the National Crop Protection Center of the University of the Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB) and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PHILRICE).
The scientists formulated these PGPs from radiation-processed natural polymers such as carrageenan, which is extracted from seaweed and processed into powder. Radiation-induced degradation of these polymers is used to develop natural bioactive agents. When degraded by radiation, polysaccharides yield oligosaccharides, or polymers with shorter chains. These oligosaccharides had been shown to have elicitor and plant-growth promoting properties.
For the past three years, the PGPs were being tested on rice farms in Nueva Ecija, Laguna and Bulacan. Results showed that with just around 3.2 liters per hectare of water mixed with the right proportion of PGPs, the crop yield of rice can be increased to around 60% compared to rice grown with normal farming practices. The field tests also demonstrated the improved resistance of rice applied with PGPs against the rice tungro bacilliform virus infestation as well as bacterial leaf blight.
Farmers can maximize the potential yield of their crops when using PGPs in conjunction with more efficient farming methods and proper timing. The PGPs are applied to the crops during three stages, the first during its early vegetative stage 12-14 days after transplanting, followed by a second application 16 to 22 days after the first stage (30-35 days after transplanting). The final batch of PGPs is best applied just before the flowering stage, 45-50 days after transplanting.
The PGPs for rice crops were officially launched on November 12 during the Farmer’s Field Day in Pulilan, Bulacan, with Senator Cynthia Villar and DOST Secretary Mario Montejo in attendance.
The Third Philippine Nuclear Congress
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The Third Philippine Nuclear Congress
After almost two decades, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) and its partner agencies will once again convene the Philippine Nuclear Congress (PNC) on December 7 to 9, 2015 in Manila, Philippines.
The PNC is a multi-sectoral forum for information exchange on the current status of nuclear science and technology in various fields. More than an assessment of the state and contributions of nuclear science and technology in national development, the congress aims to expand the participation of the different sectors to establish stronger linkages with collaborating institutions and individuals.
The 1976 Philippine Nuclear Congress held at the Philippine International Convention Center
The First Philippine Nuclear Congress (1976)
The country’s first nuclear congress was held in 1976, exactly thirty-nine years before this year’s congress. The first PNC adopted the theme “Partnerships for Progress Through Atomic Energy” and was held at the Philippine International Convention Center.
Experts and representatives from the fields of energy, food, environment, industry, medicine and education pooled their knowledge and experience to improve applications of nuclear science in their respective areas of expertise and, ultimately, to support the National Atomic Energy Plan that paved the way for the construction of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. The Congress was organized by the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) under the Office of the President, which is now the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) under the Department of Science and Technology.
The Second Philippine Nuclear Congress in 1996 with IAEA Director General Hans Blix (center) as guest speaker
The Second Philippine Nuclear Congress (1996)
Twenty years later, the second PNC was convened from December 10-12, 1996. This coincided with the 100th anniversary of the discovery of radioactivity by Henri Becquerel.
With the theme “Challenges of Nuclear Technology for the 21st Century”, the second PNC sought to respond to global issues through nuclear science and technology as applied in various sectors, especially to prepare for the next millennium. The Congress was graced with the presence of Dr. Hans Blix, the then-Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Many nuclear and radiation applications have already been developed since the previous Congress, which came in time to meet the greater demands for food, water and energy, as well as worldwide problems in health, and environmental protection. Back then, the Philippines was also reconsidering nuclear power for the country’s energy mix, as President Fidel Ramos created a Nuclear Power Steering Committee for the implementation of a comprehensive nuclear program.
The Upcoming Third Philippine Nuclear Congress (2015)
Today, the Philippines has come a long way in harnessing the power of the atom in the fields of agriculture, health, industry and environment, as well as nuclear safety, safeguards and security. These achievements and more will be showcased in the third PNC, which will be held on December 7-9, 2015. With the theme, "Meeting Challenges through Nuclear Science and Technology for Sustainable Growth", the Third Philippine Nuclear Congress (PNC) will once again provide a valuable forum for reviewing the global, regional and national scenarios in nuclear science and technology applications for technological development and inclusive growth.
IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano (right), who visited the Philippines in January 2015, will be the keynote speaker for the 3rd Philippine Nuclear Congress on December 7-9, 2015
For the third PNC, the current IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano was invited to be the keynote speaker. Director General Amano previously visited the Philippines in January 2015 as part of his tour of the IAEA Member States in Southeast Asia. He applauded the country’s efforts not only in advancing the uses of nuclear science and technology but also in contributing to the development of our neighboring countries in the nuclear field.
From December 7 to 9, national and international experts in the nuclear field will present and discuss applications in food and agriculture; health and medicine; industry; and the environment; as well as current developments in nuclear safety, security and safeguards. Exhibits by scientific societies, government agencies, and members of the academic and research sectors will also be featured during the Congress.
First Philippine Nuclear Youth Summit and 2015 Philippine Nuclear Science Quiz
The upcoming Congress will witness the launching of the first Philippine Nuclear Youth Summit on the first day of the PNC, in recognition of the youth’s great potential as well as their growing interest in nuclear and radiation technologies. This will afford students from colleges and secondary schools across the country a voice in the future of nuclear science and education in the country.
The Congress will also host the 2015 Philippine Nuclear Science Quiz at the National Level, where the qualifying contenders from the various DOST Regional Clusters will compete for the top spots.
With representatives from the agricultural, industrial, medical, government and academic sectors gathering together to assess the state and contributions of nuclear science and technology in national development, the Third Philippine Nuclear Congress will be one of the significant milestones in the history of nuclear science and technology in the Philippines.
The Philippines at the 59th IAEA General Conference
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DOST-PNRI Director Dr. Alumanda Dela Rosa reports the results of the IAEA Scientific Forum at the plenary of the 59th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Photos by Dean Calma, IAEA
Chargé d’Affaires Sulpicio Confiado of the Philippine Embassy in Vienna delivers the Philippine statement at the plenary of the 59th IAEA General Conference on September 15. Photo from DFA
The Philippines at the 59th IAEA General Conference
Highlighting the Philippines’ progress in the nuclear field through its partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) Director Alumanda Dela Rosa and other members of the Philippine Delegation represented the country in the 59th IAEA General Conference held at Vienna, Austria from September 14-18.
As the United Nations organization for worldwide cooperation in promoting the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology, the IAEA annually gathers thousands of delegates from 165 nations to further its programs and projects and to showcase the latest developments in the nuclear field across the globe, both in its research and development applications and in issues involving nuclear safety, security and safeguards.
For this year’s conference, the Philippines was given the privilege of being elected as one of the Vice-Presidents of the conference and also as one of the eleven countries which will serve on the 35-member IAEA Board of Governors for a term of two years. Meeting five times in a year, the Board of Governors decides on the Agency’s programs and budget, applications for membership, and approval of safeguards agreements, among others.
The Philippine government expressed its gratitude to the IAEA at the conference, as majority of the country’s projects involving nuclear applications receive support from the agency through financial assistance, equipment grants, fellowships, training courses and expert missions.
“The Philippines places high priority on the Agency’s Technical Cooperation Programme since it serves as the primary vehicle for the peaceful uses of nuclear techniques which has benefitted Member States across all regions,” said the Chargé d’Affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Vienna and Deputy Permanent Representative to the IAEA Mr. Sulpicio Confiado, who headed the Philippine Delegation, as he addressed the plenary of the general conference on the evening of September 15.
The address highlighted several PNRI projects on nuclear and radiation applications such as the development of precision farming methods with stable isotopes and the establishment of an electron beam facility. The Philippines also currently serves as a pilot country for several IAEA projects such as the hydrology studies under the IAEA Water Availability Enhancement (IWAVE) Project, and the outreach program on secondary schools under the project on Supporting Sustainability and Networking of National Nuclear Institutions in Asia and the Pacific Region.
The Philippines was also able to shore up its commitment to nuclear safety, security and safeguards through the Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plan (INSSP), as well as the elevated emergency preparedness and response measures in light of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in the Philippines this November 18-19. The plenary message also mentioned the visit of Director General Yukiya Amano to the Philippines in January this year as part of his tour of the Member States of Southeast Asia, as well as his anticipated presence as the guest of honor at the Third Philippine Nuclear Congress from December 7 to 9.
At the IAEA Scientific Forum “Atoms in Industry - Radiation Technology for Development”, Director Dela Rosa engages in a panel discussion with experts from other nations regarding the impact of radiation technology in their country’s industrial development. Photos by Dean Calma, IAEA
PNRI Director at the Panel of the IAEA Scientific Forum
On September 16, PNRI Director Dela Rosa served as one of the panelists at the concluding discussion of the IAEA Scientific Forum entitled Atoms in Industry - Radiation Technology for Development.
The two-day forum tackled on the potential of nuclear science and technology as a driving force for economic growth and sustainable development, particularly through radiation applications to improve the quality of everyday products and materials.
The PNRI director was also joined by speakers from Canada, Belgium and Pakistan as the panel discussed on how radiation technologies are being used to spur national development by providing more efficient and environment-friendly improvements in industrial processes.
Director Dela Rosa also had the honor of presenting the report of the IAEA Scientific Forum at the plenary of the General Conference on September 17.
The top three winners at the Nuclear Olympiad with IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano (2nd from left): Mr. Anton Philippie Tanquintic (3rd from left), Ms. Alice Cunha da Silva (3rd from right), and Mr. Vivek Maradia (2nd from right) Photo by Dean Calma, IAEA
Filipino Fresh Grad Bags 2nd Place at Nuclear Olympiad
Meanwhile, fresh college graduate Anton Philippe Tanquintic made the Philippines proud by winning the second place during the General Conference side event entitled Nuclear Olympiad and Developing a Talent Pipeline on September 17.
The Nuclear Olympiad, which was started by the World Nuclear University, is a competition for young students around the world to creatively communicate the role of nuclear science in enhancing the quality of life of mankind. For this year, the participants were tasked to make a minute-long video on the peaceful benefits of nuclear and radiation applications.
Tanquintic, who finished his BS Applied Physics and BS Materials Science & Engineering at the Ateneo de Manila University, was an on-the-job trainee of the PNRI Applied Physics Research Section and a participant of its Annual Neutron School when he heard about the competition. His entry in the competition was the 59-second video entitled Nuclear Solutions for Today’s Needs, which he made with the help of his sister, Antoinette.
After making it through the early stages of the competition in July, Tanquintic was selected as one of the top five finalists who were sponsored by the WNU to go to Vienna during the General Conference. Along with Tanquintic are equally young minds who were both engaging in the field of nuclear engineering: Ms. Alice Cunha da Silva from Brazil, who won first place, and Mr. Vivek Maradia from India, who won third place.
Role of Pinay professionals in nuclear health care highlighted in Vienna conference
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This article was pubished on Philstar.com on September 10, 2015
During the 23rd Women in Nuclear (WiN) Conference: Women in Nuclear Meet Atoms for Peace held in Vienna, Dr. Alumanda dela Rosa shared on her speech, her insights on the role of Filipino women professionals in safe and effective nuclear health care in the Philippines at the conference.
MANILA, Philippines – During the 23rd Women in Nuclear (WiN) Conference: Women in Nuclear Meet Atoms for Peace held in Vienna, Dr. Alumanda dela Rosa shared insights on the role of Filipino women professionals in safe and effective nuclear health care in the Philippines at the conference.
Dela Rosa, Director General of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, has been invited as a speaker at the event that brought together more than 450 participants from about 100 countries and international organizations.
The conference, held from from August 24 to 28, tackled issues such as career development of women in nuclear-related fields, nuclear applications, nuclear energy, environment, and climate change, and safeguards and non-proliferation.
In her presentation, Dela Rosa, herself a nuclear scientist with extensive experience in the field, highlighted the Philippine national legal framework for women empowerment and gave a backgrounder on the state of nuclear health care in the Philippines, the various activities of the nuclear regulatory body in ensuring safety, and the professional scientific societies ensuring effective nuclear health care.
At the same time, she noted that the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, which she heads, enjoys a gender balance with an almost equivalent number of male and female nuclear scientists.
Panels feature high-level speakers from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as well as representatives of national governments, regulatory bodies, research centers, non-governmental organizations and the nuclear industry.
WiN Global is a worldwide non-profit association made up of mostly female professionals working in the various fields of nuclear energy and radiation applications. It has approximately 25,000 members from more than 100 countries and aims to promote understanding and public awareness of the benefits of nuclear and radiation applications.
