6 makapuno labs boosting dev’t of RP coco industry

Six makapuno embryo culture laboratories established in strategic places have been boosting the development of this type of coconut in the country.

The laboratories were set up eight years ago with funding support from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Concil for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCARRD).

The facilities are located in Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-based research centers in Davao City, Zamboanga City, and Albay; PCA regional office in Palo, Leyte; PCA provincial office in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan; and at the Cavite State University (CavSU) in Indang, Cavite.

The researchers involved are E.P. Rillo, M.B.B. Areza-Ubaldo, O.D. Orense, C. A. Cueto, A.R. Rillo, G.A. Santos, D. Calub, E. Parohinog, E. Nierva, B. Paduano, R.N. Arnacon, N.S.J. Bachillor, and A. Sanchez.

Since 1996, the laboratories have cultured 71,806 makapuno embryos.By 2004, the project had dispersed 9,160 embryo-culture makapuno (ECM).

A total of 8,636 ECM seedlings are reserved at the six satellite laboratories for various clients. Additional sources of makapuno embryos are other farmer-cooperators and food processing plants.

"The partnership and collaborative efforts among the makapuno laboratories, demonstration and commercial farms, and food processing plants would help ensure a viable makapuno-based industry in the country," the researchers averred. – RAF