'Yap' corn

MANILA, Philippines – IPB Var6 is a new variety of high-yielding, protein-packed corn developed by Dr. Artemio Salazar of the University of the Philippines Los Baños-College of Agriculture-Institute of Plant Breeding-Crop Science Cluster (UPLB-CA-IPB-CSC).

It was named after Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap.

Yap Corn or IPB Var6 is an open pollinated corn variety with highly acceptable grit quality and high quality protein.

It has more lysine than other corn varieties, said Dr. Salazar, as reported by UPLB’s JAA Oruga.

“Lysine,” the multi-awarded plant breeder explained, “is important for proper growth and plays an essential role in the production of carnitine, a nutrient responsible for converting fatty acids into energy and for reducing cholesterol levels. Lysine cannot be produced by the body so it must be obtained from food.”

Yap thanked UPLB for naming the promising corn variety after him.

In his response to the honor accorded her, the youthful DA official encouraged UPLB constituents to continue the working partnership that both institutions have fostered over the years.

Expressing concern over the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture, Yap urged the university’s scientists and researchers to propose projects that will address this global phenomenon.

“DA is willing to fund large-budget projects that have great multiplier effect than small researches that promise small contributions,” he said.

The Cabinet official concluded that the real problem of agriculture is not the lack of technologies but how to bridge the gap between technology generation and adaptation by farmers. – Rudy A. Fernandez