Hot Pepper Production
By goGreen | February 26, 2012
Hot Pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) or siling labuyo, is a perennial plant with small, tapering fruits, often 2-3, at a node. The fruits of most varieties are red, some are yellow, purple or black. The fruist are very pungent. The flowers are greenish white or yellowish white.
USES and NUTRITIONAL VALUE
Hot pepper is used generally as a condiment. Its extracts ae also used to control borers and othe larval insects. Each 100 g edible portion contains, as follows:
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| Water | |
| Protein | |
| Fat | |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Iron | |
| Calcium | |
| Vitamin A | |
| Vitamin C | |
| Energy Value | |
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
| Matikas | long, tapering, smooth, dark green fruits, with mild pungency; cooking type |
| C-1550 | smooth, light green fruits, with mild pungency, cooking type |
| Inokra | long, tapering, slightly wrinkled, light green fruits, not pungent; cooking type |
| Pasas |
| 2-3 cm long, dark green to deep red, shiny fruits, extremely pungent |
CLIMATIC AND SOIL REQUIREMENTS
Hot pepper can be grown from low to wind elevation throughout the year. Production is best, however, during the cool, dry months of October to March in sandy loam soil.
SEEDLING PRODUCTION
Line sow 200 – 250 g of seeds in a seedbed prepared from a mixture of equal parts of animal manure, rice hull, charcoal, and soil. Makes shallow lines spaced at 10 – 15 cm apart and water before and after sowing. Mulch with rice hull and straw. Provide partial shade and water regularly. Harden the seedling one week before transplanting.
LAND PREPARATION
Prepare the area thoroughly. For small areas, make plots 0.75 – 1.0 m wide for two-row/plot planting. In bigger areas, make furrows 0.5 – 0.75 m apart for single row planting. Apply basal fertilizer at 5 -7 bags/ha 14-14-14 and 5 – 10 t/ha manure. Transplant at a spacing of 0.3 – 0.5 m between hills.
TRANSPLANTING
Hot pepper grows best under full sunlight although it can also tolerate partial shade. Transplant four to five week old, sturdy seedlings. Prepare raised beds one meter wide and about 20 – 30 cm high. The spacing between hills and rows should be 30 – 50 cm with two rows in each bed. Make holes in the beds and place a handful of compost or animal manure. Place 1-2 seedlings in the hole and cover with soil, pressing lightly near the stem for maximum contact between roots and soil. Water immediately after transplanting.
Hot pepper can also be grown in clay pots, cans and plastic bags. It can be treated as an ornamental if maintained properly.
FERTILIZATION
Hot pepper responds well to inorganic fertilizer. However, animal manure and compost are better sources of nutrients. Another alternative is to grow hot pepper around basket composts.
IRRIGATION
Apply water once a week or as needed, however, water is much more needed in container-grown plants. Mulching in both plots and containers can cut watering by at least 50%. Grasses, paper, sawdust, manure, and plastic sheets can be used for mulching.
PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT
The main diseases of hot pepper are bacterial wilt and viruses. Bacterial wilt is soil borne and difficult to control so that wilting in fully-grown plants is usually due to bacterial wilt. It is best to grow hot pepper in containers with sterilized soil instead. Viruses are systematic, so it is good practice to pull out and burry infected plants (mosaic, leaf curling, fernlike leaves) to prevent the spread of diseases through insect vectors.
The major insect pests of pepper are thrips, mites, army worm, fruit fly, and shoot borers. Thrips is a problem during the dry season and can be managed by overhead irrigation. Shoot and fruit borer can be managed by removing damaged fruits and shoots.
HARVESTING
Harvest mature green or fully ripened red fruits. Pack in plastic crates, cartons, or bamboo crates lined with banana leaves.
Seeds can also be extracted from the red fruits. Air-dry or sun dry seeds for 3 – 5 days. Place in plastic bags or clear bottles, seal and store in a cool, dry place or inside the refrigerator. Label properly to indicate variety and date of harvest.
Topics: Crops & Vegetables, Farming Methods | No Comments »
Ostrich : The Bird That Lays The Golden Egg
By goGreen | February 26, 2012
The ostrich is the largest living bird in the world. An adult male ostrich is usually 2.4 meters tall with weight of over 100 Kg. The female adult ostrich is only a little bit smaller. Because of their huge body and small wing size, ostriches cannot fly. However, the speed of their legs can very well make up for being flightless. Ostriches can run as fast as 70Km, each stride as big as 8 meters.
Ostriches have been hunted for their flesh and plumes since ancient times. Today, the Department of Agriculture encourages ostrich farming as an alternative to poultry business to prevent food crisis in the country and to boost the country’s economic development.
Commercial ostrich farming
Startup capital for ostrich farming is much more than an ordinary poultry farm. Each breeder bird may cost approximately P40,000 and requires 200 square meter pen space. However, long term return on investment in this venture is lucrative.
A hen can produce up to too eggs and at least 40 chicks annually that reach marketing age after only 407 days from conception (42 days incubation + 365 days of age). Each bird yields 1800 kg of meat, 50 m2 of leather and 36 kg of feathers each year. The female ostrich can continue this annual production for as long as 40 years. With proper management and utilization of husbandry technology, the overall production of one female ostrich during her “economic life” can reach 72 tonnes of meat, 2000 square meter of leather and 1450 kg of feathers.
Ostrich requires relatively low maintenance. They can be nourished with low-cost feeds such as regular chicken feed and kangkong. These birds can thrive even in very poorly vegetated areas. They are also very adaptable and they thrive in extreme conditions.
Ostriches can regulate their body temperature in cold and hot weather. Their feathers are good insulators which can protect them from the heat, as well as protect them from heat loss during cold weather. The meat of an adult bird commands a price of about P400 to P800 per Kg.
Ostrich products
Typically, ostriches are raised commercially for their meat, hide and feathers. Ostrich farming is considered to be among the world’s most profitable agricultural ventures. There is a large variety of possible products from this endeavor, and consequently have a high profit potential.
Eggs
The largest living bird in the world lays the largest egg. The ostrich egg can measure up to 19cm long and 15cm wide. The egg can weigh up to 1.9 Kg. An egg can command a price of up to P800 in the end user’s market.
Meat
Ostriches generate red meat that is comparable in taste and texture to veal and beef, depending on the age when they are slaughtered. The health-conscious market prefers ostrich meat, as its red meat has fewer calories than pork and is also competitive in taste. Ostrich meat is high in protein yet low in fat. Ostrich meat contains far less fat compared to pork, beef, and even chicken, particularly less cholesterol. With the continuous health trend in agricultural markets, demand for ostrich meat in the international markets constantly increases. The meat may be marketed in a variety of ways, such as cold cuts, frankfurters, pate, fillet steaks and jerky, in addition to fresh meat.
Feathers
The use of ostrich feathers are far reaching, ranging from implements for cleaning fine machinery and equipment to decorations to accents the fashion industry.
Leather
Ostrich skin is considered to be one of the most luxurious leathers in the world. It is comparable to crocodile and snake skin. The leather is thick, durable and exceptionally soft. It can be manufactured into a variety of leather products like shoes, bags, purses and jackets.
SOURCE: Agri Business Week
Topics: Livestock, Miscellaneous | 1 Comment »
Soil Erosion : A Different Kind of War
By goGreen | February 25, 2012
The world is losing an equivalent of five to seven million hectares of farmland through erosion each year.
There are wars and there are wars. In Mindanao, there is a battle between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the government’s military troops. But there is a kind of war that has been here since time immemorial and yet no one notices the conflict. It is called soil erosion.
“Soil erosion is an enemy to any nation – far worse than any outside enemy coming into a country a conquering it because it is an enemy you cannot see vividly,” declares Harold R. Watson, recipient of the 1985 Ramon Magsaysay Award for peace and international understanding. “It’s a slow creeping enemy that soon possesses the land.”
Watson knows. He was the former director of the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC), a non-government organization based in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur. When he came to the Philippines in the 1960s, he was already sounding the alarm of deforestation and soil erosion.
But people only laughed at him. They told him, “We’re never going to run out of trees!” That was before several presidents, other Asian governments, the United Nations – and countless farmers – recognized the value of his insights. A few hundred years ago, at least 95%of the Philippines was covered by tropical rainforest. However, the country lost one third of its forest cover between 1990 and 2005. Although the current deforestation rate is around 2% per year, a 20% drop from the rate of the 199os, deforestation continues unabated.
In 1971, Watson opened to the public the MBRLC, a research and demonstration farm. In the beginning, they floundered. “When I got here, I had no idea what the problems were up in the hills,” said the American agriculturist who grew up in Mississippi. “Farming looked pretty good on the surface.”
Soon, Watson discovered that the problem was the surface: It was washing away. Loggers – both legal and illegal – were hauling trees out of the once-lush mountains, leaving behind denuded hillsides. Tribal people and migrants were using “slash and burn” methods (kaingin) to clear and farm the uplands, and topsoil was disappearing faster than what can be replenished. The result: low production, hunger, and hopelessness.
“Most of these farmers don’t have a vision to see five or 10 years down the line,” Watson said. “Most live for one more day, and don’t lift their head up. They’re not thinking about erosion. It’s `What can I get out of the land today, right now?”‘
Soil is the single most important resource on a farmland, which is built up over time. It takes 200 to 1,000 years to form 2.5 centimeters of rich topsoil. But on the average, farmlands are losing 2.5 cm of topsoil every 16 years, or 17 times, faster than it can be replaced. “Soil is related to the earth much as the rind is related to an orange,” explains an American geologist. “It is the link between the rock core of the earth and the living things on its surface. It is the foothold for the plants we grow. Therein lies the main reason for our interest in soil.”
Soil erosion is the most common natural landscape forming process. Over thousands of years, erosion wears down mountains and deposits soil elsewhere to form plains, plateaus, valleys, river flats, and deltas. This type of erosion is known as natural erosion.
Erosion occurring at a rate that exceeds the rate of natural erosion is called accelerated erosion. Accelerated erosion can result from certain human land use practices. For soil to erode requires a combination of two factors – loose soil and a physical force that can transport the soil to a new location.
“Soil particles are loosened in several ways,” says Jim Chamberlain, a specialist in tropical forestry who has experience in the Philippines and other parts of East Asia. “The impact of raindrops on exposed soil can detach soil particles as can soil freezing and thawing.”
Soil particles may be detached from a stream bank during high water. Detached soil particles are then transported to a new location by some physical force, including water, wind, ice, or gravity. On forested lands, this force is flowing water. Wind is also an important force for soil transport on agricultural lands as in the 1930s Dust Bowl in the United States.
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, the world is losing an equivalent of five to seven million hectares of farmland through erosion each year. This is equivalent to the land area of Belgium and the Netherlands combined. In the Philippines, “soil erosion is now the most serious environmental problem,” to quote the words of Dr. Eduardo Paningbatan, of the University of the Philippines at Los Banos.
Soil erosion makes farmlands infertile every year. Studies have shown that loss of a few centimeters of topsoil can reduce the productivity of good soils by 40% and poor soils by 60%. “No other soil phenomenon is more destructive worldwide than soil erosion,” wrote Nyle C. Brady in his book, The Nature and Properties of Soils. “It involves losing water and plant nutrients at rates far higher than those occurring through leaching.
“More tragically, however, (soil erosion) can result in the loss of the entire soil,” Brady continued. “Furthermore, the soil that is removed find its way into streams, rivers, and lakes and becomes a pollution problem there.” This is where sedimentation and siltation occur.
In Luzon, the four major basins – Bicol, Magat, Pampanga, and Agno – are in critical condition due to acute soil erosion and sedimentation. The Ambuklao Dam reservoir had its life halved from 60 to 32 years as a result of siltation.
Lester R. Brown and Edward C. Wolf, authors of Soil Erosion: Quiet Crisis in the World Economy, argued that erosion affects crop production in two ways. “The loss of topsoil reduces the inherent productivity of land, both through the loss of nutrients and degradation of the physical structure,” they explained.
“It also increases the costs of food production. When farmers lose topsoil, they may increase land productivity by substituting energy in the form of fertilizer. Hence, farmers losing topsoil may experience either a loss in land productivity or a rise in costs of agricultural inputs. And if productivity drops too low or agricultural costs rise too high, farmers are forced to abandon their land.”
According to Brown, the immediate effects of soil erosion are economic but in the long run, its ultimate effects are social. “When soils are depleted and crops are poorly nourished, people are often undernourished as well. Failure to respond to the erosion threat will lead not only to the degradation of land, but to the degradation of life itself.”
Although more than 99% of the world’s food comes from the soil, experts estimate that each year more than 10 million hectares of crop land are degraded or lost as rain and wind sweep away topsoil. An area big enough to feed Europe has been so severely degraded it cannot produce food, UN figures show.
SOURCE: Agri Business Week
Topics: Miscellaneous | No Comments »
Some Questions Regarding Carabao Mango Growing in the Philippines
By goGreen | February 25, 2012
Which microclimate in Mindanao is suited for mango production?
Mindanao is ideal for mango production primarily because many areas there are spared from typhoons, which is the single most important constraint in year-round mango production.
The Mindanao area can be classified as the best producing area in the country in terms of yield but in terms of quality, the best areas are those produced during dry season.
Source: Dr. Leon O. Namuco
Does soil have an effect on quality of the fruit (example, taste)?
Soil has an effect on the quality of the fruit. In order to ensure acceptable fruit quality, there must be proper balance of the essential nutrients. Correct fertilization practices, should therefore, be followed.
Source: Dr. Leon O. Namuco
Is it possible to grow mango trees in colder or elevated areas?
There is a possibility of growing mango trees in elevated areas but the limit is 600 meters above sea level.
Source: Dr. Leon O. Namuco
How are we going to fertilize mango trees?
Dig holes or a circular canal 20 cm to 2 m away from the trunk depending on the age of the plant. One to three years old, 20-45 cm; 4-15 years old, 1-2 meters; >15 years, 2 meters. Apply the fertilizer on the holes or the canals and cover with soil.
Source: Dr. Leon O. Namuco
When is the best time to fertilize mango seedlings?
The best time to apply fertilizer is when there is sufficient moisture in the soil. In areas with distinct dry seasons, application is done at the onset and before the end of the rainy season. In areas where soil is almost always moist or irrigation facilities are available, fertilizers are applied at flower induction shortly after harvest, and the period between harvesting and the next flower induction.
Source: Dr. Leon O. Namuco
What is the safe level of NPK Application for 10-30 year old mango trees?
The safe level of NPK needed for 10-30 year old trees depends on several factors. The NPK level of the soil has to be tested in order to determine how much is lacking and thus be able to compute for the required amount.
Source: Dr. Leon O. Namuco
Is it alright to use urea in combination with NPK?
Yes. NPK supplies nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium while urea supplies more nitrogen. So it really depends on the nitrogen requirement of the plant.
Source: Dr. Leon O. Namuco
What can you say about double or triple grafting?
This method of maintaining plants can have advantages or disadvantages depending on the particular crop or situation. Mango with double or triple root stock would become more vigorous, resulting to overcrowding of trees within a short period of time. However, one advantage of double or triple grafting of mango is better anchorage of the tree to the soil.
Source: Dr. Leon O. Namuco
I am a neophyte farmer. I recently bought a 6,250 sq. m. lot in Guagua, Pampanga with dimensions of 25 m wide by 250 m long. It has 18 fruit-bearing mango trees planted on a straight line with a 10 m distance between trees. What crops would you recommend to be planted along with these mango trees? And how does one go about doing it?
You can choose among 10 crops to plant in between mango trees, but it would depend on the age of the trees. If the trees are newly planted and are still small, plant short season crops like vegetables. Crops that require higher light intensity can also be planted while the mango trees are still small. However, if the trees are already fully grown, choose crops that can tolerate reduced amounts of sunlight such as ‘gabi’. The best thing to do is to determine the extent of sunlight exposure and choose your crop accordingly. Prepare soil the usual way – by shallow plowing and harrowing.
Source: Dr. Leon O. Namuco
We recently inherited some properties in Batangas City, and would like to venture into mango production and raise other crops while the mangoes are not producing yet. We are thinking of planting calamansi in between mango trees. Where can I get materials of mangoes and calamansi?
That is a very good idea. Calamansi can be grown productively in between mango trees especially while they are still young, because competition is very minimal and there is enough sunlight for the intercrops. You can grow calamansi during the first ten years, as it thrives under high light intensity. After this period though, the calamansi will have to be replaced with crops that are tolerant to shade such as ‘gabi’. Reliable sources of planting materials of mango and calamansi include the Bureau of Plant Industry and UP Los Baños.
Source: Dr. Leon O. Namuco
Is there a need to bag mango fruits? Method of bagging?
Bagging of fruits is not a requirement in mango production, but it is an effective way of protecting mango fruits from mechanical damage and damages due to pests such as the fruit fly.
Before you start bagging, you need the following materials: bamboo ladder, stapler and wire, newspaper print, coconut midrib, and rope. Using stapler, form the bag 15 x 22 cm made out of newspaper print. You can start bagging when the fruits are about the size of a chicken’s egg, or 55 to 60 days after flower induction. Here are the steps in bagging:
a) For small trees, simply set the ladder on the ground and climb to reach each fruit.
b) For big and tall trees, bring the ladder up the tree and secure it on a strong branch by trying it. The position of the ladder should allow the bagger to reach each fruit and bag as many fruits as possible.
c) Insert one fruit per bag then close the bag using coconut midrib.
Source: Dr. Leon O. Namuco
How many times do I spray? What causes fruit fall? And when do I need to bag?
The number of pesticide spraying required to effectively protect flowers and fruits from insect pests and diseases varies with the prevailing weather conditions during the flowering and fruiting period. Regular pruning and bagging of fruits may also reduce the required number of pesticide applications. In general, early flower induction would require six sprays of fungicides and three sprays of insecticides since prevailing rainfall and relative humidity during this time is favorable to the development of fungal diseases. On the other hand, more sprays (6 times) of insecticides are needed during the late induction period since insects are expected to become a major problem during this period. These sprays of fungicides may be sufficient during late induction period.
Falling of fruits could be caused by several factors such as lack of nutrients, water, insect pest and disease damage, strong wind, hormonal imbalance, and many more.
Source: Dr. Leon O. Namuco
What is the recommended distance of planting?
The usual recommended distance of planting for mango trees ranges from 10 to 14 meters and therefore, using this recommendation, you would need a maximum of 100 trees to a hectare.
Source: Dr. Leon O. Namuco
Please give us information on high density planting of mango orchards!
High density planting has not yet been thoroughly studied for ‘Carabao’ mango in the Philippines. It could have the potential of generating more income during the early productive period of the orchard, but then overcrowding of canopies could become a serious problem very soon since ‘Carabao’ mango is a fast growing variety. Corporate farms who have tried high density planting, have not been successful with the system.
Source: Dr. Leon O. Namuco
What are the advantages of using seedlings or grafted materials in the field?
An important advantage in using grafted material is that the waiting period from planting to fruiting is shorter than if seedlings are used. With grafted materials, you can expect the plants to bear fruit on the third or fourth year as opposed to a minimum of seven years if seedlings are used. Another advantage would be having more trees per hectare, since grafted trees tend to remain smaller compared to seedling trees.
Source: Dr. Leon O. Namuco
Where can we source good and reliable planting materials?
The best sources of planting materials include government agencies like the Bureau of Plant Industry and universities and colleges like UP Los Baños. Nurseries accredited by BPI could also supply recommended planting materials.
Source: Dr. Leon O. Namuco
What is more advantageous – a small or a big mango tree?
On a management point of view, a small tree is easier to manage than a bigger one. With small trees, one advantage is that you would be able to accommodate more trees within a specific area. It is also much easier to apply the cultural management practices with small trees. If the trees are to be climbed, accident risks are also minimized.
Source: Dr. Leon O. Namuco
What are we going to do with fallen mango trees due to typhoon?
The mango trees will eventually recover after sometime without the need of propping since the roots will eventually resume its normal growth and hold the tree on its own. However, the trees will not regain its normal posture. But this should not worry you as it has been observed that fallen trees, which have recovered, are more responsive to flower induction. Moreover, these trees will be more resistant against wind damage aside from the additional bonus of ease in harvesting the fruits. As to pruning operations, prune only the inner smaller branches of the tree. However, pruning needs will differ slightly as the tree grow older.
Source: Dr. Leon O. Namuco
Have we tried to improve other local varieties like ‘Pico’?
Nothing has been done to improve this variety. The ‘Pico’ has a very limited market and therefore has not been given as much research attention as the ‘Carabao’.
Source: Dr. Leon O. Namuco
Source: http://www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph, Dr. Leon Namuco (UPLB PROFESSOR)
Topics: Crops & Vegetables | No Comments »
Spawnless Mushroom Production Using Munggo Hull
By goGreen | February 25, 2012
Procedure
- Collect munggo hull after threshing. Place them in sacks.
- Construct mushroom beds (1×1 sq. m) by using four banana trunks joined together as base. The height can be increased to hold the munggo hull and prevent them from scattering.
- Pound the hull. Pulverize if possible until white dust from the pods is produced.
- Place 5 bags of munggo hull in the bed. You can mix corn husks and cobbs if available. If not, you can use dry banana leaves and trunks of banana in combination with the munggo hull or you can use plain munggo hull.
- Instead of throwing rice wash away, use it to moisten the bed in addition to the rain water. (June and July are rainy months in San Mateo, Isabela).
- Harvest mushroom at their button stage when mushroom cease to sprout and the bed go down, repeat procedure 3 to 5.
- Repeat this process for one or more time (up to 3 times) from the date of establishment for 2 mos.
This procedure needs about 15 big sacks of munggo hull and does not require the use of mushroom spawn.
For more information and questions, visit or contact:
FITS Manager
San Mateo FITS Center Isabela
CP No. 0920 903 0045
Source: EntrePinoys Atbp.
Topics: Farming Methods | No Comments »
Firm’s Soil and Water Conservation Programs Beneficial to Coffee Farms
By goGreen | February 25, 2012
A coffee company’s ongoing soil and water conservation programs in coffee farms throughout the Philippines are proving to be beneficial during the dry months.
Joel Lumagbas, head of the agricultural services department of Nestle Philippines, Inc. (NPI), says the company is promoting soil and water conservation programs in coffee farms in various ways through the company’s Coffee Based Sustainable Farming System (CBSFS} under the worldwide drive of Sustainable Agriculture Initiative of Nestle (SAIN).
One method uses Jatropha curcas, known locally as tuba-tuba. Aside from being a source of glycerol and biodiesel, Jatropha curcas is one of the secondary crops that CBSFS has been promoting to provide additional income for farmers and to prevent soil erosion.
Because of its strong root system, Jatropha grows almost anywhere, even on gravelly, sandy and saline soils. It can hold water and survive the driest of seasons.
“Jatropha is currently being used extensively in Africa and India as a strategy to arrest soil erosion and the expansion of desert lands,” says Lumagbas.
Another soil conservation measure that Nescafe’s CBSFS advocates is the Sloping Agricultural Land Technology or SALT.
Developed by missionaries in Bansalan, Davao del Sur in the early `70s, it is a technology that integrates soil conservation and food production by combining different soil conservation measures in just one setting.
Basically, SALT is a method of growing field and permanent crops in 3-meter to 5-meter wide bands between contoured rows of nitrogen-fixing trees that arc thickly planted in double rows to make hedgerows. When a hedge is 1.5 to 2 meters tall, it is cut down to about 75 centimeters and the cuttings (tops) are placed in alleyways to serve as organic fertilizer.
More importantly, SALT allows farming in uplands and rolling terrains with slope of more than 15 percent.
“Currently, we are applying SALT in two coffee demonstration farms we helped build in Davao and Sultan Kudarat,” said Lumagbas. “Both farm lands are mountainous with elevation of 600 to 800 meters above sea level.”
According to the Department of Science and Technology’s agro-forestry study, SALT is a simple, applicable, low-cost and timely method of farming uplands. It is a technology developed for Asian farmers with few tools, little capital, and little learning in agriculture.
“Another strategy that we are teaching the farmers is the establishment of `check dams’ or artificial barriers to slowdown the flow of run-off water in small gullies with the use of bamboo stakes and sandbags,” Lumagbas adds.
Lumagbas says that this practice should be adopted in all upland farms to save the topsoil and prevent the disastrous effects of soil erosion such as mudslides, landslides and flash flood. With this in place, as the run-off water hits the barriers, its velocity will be reduced, thus preventing the gullies from getting bigger and deeper.
“What eventually happens is that the topsoil collected in these check dams levels the small gully and becomes a fertile ground for planting crops,” Lumagbas adds.
Topsoil, the rich and fertile part of agricultural land, stores plant nutrients, air and moisture. The nutrients in topsoil are crucial to crop production. So if the topsoil is lost due to soil erosion or industrialization, a good harvest is not possible for farmlands unless the farmers use expensive commercial fertilizer.
Nescafe realizes the topsoil’s importance in sustainable coffee farming and has taken the lead to conserve it,” says Lumagbas.
SOURCE: Agri Business Week
Topics: Miscellaneous | No Comments »
Tomato Leaf Curl Virus
By goGreen | February 24, 2012
Leaf Curl disease of tomato, locally known to farmers as kulot or kulot ti bulong has been a major constraint to tomato production in the Philippines since the 1990s. Tomato plants affected by the disease are usually stunted and are unproductive. The symptoms on the leaves include interveinal yellowing, upward and downward curling and crinkling. Leaflets are also smaller than those of healthy plants. Symptom expression, however, may vary depending on the crop stage at the time of infection, variety, and whitefly population. The disease can be observed on tomato seedlings about two to three weeks after transplanting and depending on the pressure of the whitefly population in the field, disease incidence can increase rapidly and infection can go as high as 100%.
In the Philippines, tomato leaf curl is caused by Tomato leaf curl Philippines virus) To1CPV; formerly known as ToLCV-Ph), a whitefly-transmitted Begomovirus of the family Geminiviridae (ICTVdB Management, 2006). ToLCPV is considered as distinct virus species in the genus Begomovirus based on the relatively low nucleotide sequence identity between the genomic DNA of ToLCPV and other Gemini viruses like Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) (Kon et al., 2002). ToLCPV affected tomato plants, however, show similar symptoms as TYLCV-affected plants. Because of this similarity in symptomatology, most people associate leaf curl symptoms to TYLCV, which is considered as the most serious disease of tomato worldwide. TYCLV has been reported to occur in several countries in Asia but not in the Philippines (CABI 2007).
The control and management of tomato leaf curl have been proven difficult as with any other insect-transmitted virus diseases. The use of chemical insecticides for instance, can provide only partial control even with regular spraying. Moreover, continued use of insecticides is not environmentally safe and can promote development of resistant whitefly populations. The best way to reduce ToLCPV spread is by planting resistant or tolerant tomato varieties (e.g. the new tolerant tomato variety Diamante Max). In addition to using resistant or tolerant varieties, the following management strategies are recommended to effectively reduce the incidence of tomato leaf curl disease.
- Protect seedlings and seedbeds by providing physical barriers (e.g. nets) to prevent early infection by whitefly feeding.
- Avoid planting tomato crop during the dry months when whitefly populations are usually highest.
- Intercrop with crops known to be good hosts for the whiteflies, but are immune to the virus (e.g. eggplant, cabbage) to attract the insect vectors.
- Eliminate common weed hosts such as Datura stramonium (nightshade), Ipomoea triloba (morning glory/kamute-kamutehan) within or near the tomato crop.
- Remove infected plants and volunteer tomato plants before the emergence of whitefly populations.
- Control whitefly population by using yellow sticky traps and/or spraying with chemical insecticides (e.g. imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid).
SOURCE: Agri Business Week
Topics: Miscellaneous | No Comments »
What are the different varieties of Corn Hybrids?
By goGreen | February 24, 2012
What are the some varieties of corn hybrids available in the Philippines?
The following are corn hybrids released by NSIC (National Seed Industry Council):
C – 818
C – 838
Mariana 11
P – 3014
P – 3023
CW 18
IBP 911
What are their characterisitics?
C – 818 High yield potential; tolerant to rust and corn borer; highly tolerant to downy mildew and stalk rot
C – 838 High yield potential; highly tolerant to lodging; stalk rot and downy mildew
Mariana 11 High yield potential; tolerant to lodging; resistant to Asiatic corn borer and foliar diseases; drought tolerant
P – 3014 High yield potential; highly tolerant to downy mildew; tolerant to corn borer, ear worm and leaf rust
P -3023 High yield potential; has stable yield particularly in Mindanao; exhibits good seedling vigor; resistant to Southern rust, downy mildew and diplodia ear rot
CW 18 Has very good orerall standability rating; good resistance to stalk rot and downy mildew; tolerant to lodging
IBP 911 High yield potential; highly tolerant to lodging and moderately resistant to corn borer
Describe the agro-climatic, seasons and cultural adaptations
C – 818 Can be grown during dry and wet seasons; performs best in Isabela and North Cotabato
C – 838 Performs best during wet and dry seasons in Isabela, Bukidnon and Cotabato
Mariana 11 Performs very well in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao during wet and dry seasons
P – 3014 Can be grown during dry and wet seasons
P – 3023 Perform best in Luzon and Mindanao during the dry season, performs well in Isabela, Negros Occidental, North Cotabatoand Bukidnon during wet season.
CW 18 Shows good adaptation in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao during dry and wet seasons
IBP 911 Performs very well in Isabela, Central Luzon (corn-after-rice) and in Bukidnon; could be grown during dry and wet seasons
Source: Open Academy for Philippine Agriculture
Topics: Crops & Vegetables | No Comments »
Management Guide for Various Growth Stages of Corn
By goGreen | February 24, 2012
Growth Stages of Corn
After Emergence
Seedling Stage | Early Mid Whorl Stage | Late Whorl Stage | Tasseling Stage | Silking Stage | Silking to Maturity |
| 1-19 Days | 20-35 Days | 35-45 Days | 45-55 Days | 55-75 Days | 75-115 Days |
After Silking
Blister Stage | Milk Stage | Dough Stage | Dent Stage |
| 10-14 Days | 18-22 Days | 28-28 Days | 35-42 Days |
The time of emergence at any of the critical growth stages of corn can be predicted in normally growing plants, based on the number of expanded leaves before flowering, the appearance of the reproductive organs and the kernel development.
The maturity stages start after the silking phase, which is about 115 days after emergence.
GROWTH STAGES
1. Emergence
After sowing and under favorable conditions, the seeds swell and the embryo enlarges. The coleorhiza enclosing the radicle emerges first. The radicle elongates rapidly followed by the plumule.
About two to five seminal roots emerge at the base of the plumule. These roots and the radicle constitute the primary root of the young seedling. The first internode formed elongates to raise the plumule towards the surface of the ground. As soon as the coleoptile which encloses the plumule is exposed to light, it burst and two leaves emerge.
Adventitious roots develop at the node just below the surface of the ground. These become the permanent root system of he plant. Regardless of the depth of planting, the permanent roots develop only a few centimeters below the ground surface. The first internode between the seminal and the permanent roots (mesocotyle) normally elongates to not more than five inches.
Management Guide
Depth of planting influences the length of time from planting to emergence. Seedlings from deep planted seeds have a greater depth of soil to penetrate. In addition, the temperature is cooler at greater depths and the growth is slower.
Nutrients and food reserve in the seed generally supply the young plant adequately prior to emergence. Place the fertilizer in hand to the side and slightly below the seed to allow the primary roots to easily get in contact with the fertilizer. Fertilizer placed too near the seed can result in salt injury to the young plant.
2. Leaf Stage
The emergence of two leaves marks the beginning of a new mode of growth of the plant. The roots at the base of the first two leaves elongate but have not yet branched or formed root hairs. However, the primary roots have many branches and root hairs.
Management Guide
Since the roots are relatively small, higher concentration of fertilizer nutrients is needed to stimulate early plant growth. However, the amount of nutrients required is relatively small. The fertilizer is effectively absorbed at this stage if placed in band where the primary roots get in contact with it. Roots are not attracted to this fertilizer band, so that the fertilizer must be placed where the roots grow. It takes about a week from plant emergence to this stage.
3. Fourth Leaf Stage
At this stage, roots of the first node branch develop root hairs. The primary roots grow very little, and usually die but new roots at the second node elongate. The tassel is initiated at the tip of the stem, but it is still below the soil surface. All the leaves and ear shoots have initiated.
Management Guide
Cultivating too near the plant after this stage destroys some of the permanent roots. Exposed leaves may be damaged but the plants may outgrow the damaged parts with minimal reduction in yield.
Topics: Crops & Vegetables, Farming Methods | No Comments »
Strawberries and Its Benefits
By goGreen | February 24, 2012
Who wouldn’t want to taste sweet, succulent, and scrumptious strawberries?
Strawberries are so rare and expensive in our country that people regard them as high-class fruits. Hence, people consume fresh strawberries for special occasions. Some even equate the red heart-shaped fruit with romance and affection, eating them during Valentine’s Day and wedding anniversaries.
Other than its rarity and steep price, strawberries are valued for their exquisite taste and aroma. The juicy fresh fruits are sweet yet tart – perfect for desserts, salads and healthy snacks. Meanwhile, its sweet one-of-a-kind aroma inspired scents for perfumes and oils.
Health benefits
Unknown to most people, these delicious fruits are also highly nutritious. Strawberries contain high levels of Vitamin C. In fact, a cup satisfies 140% of our required daily dosage of Vitamin C. It also contains significant amounts of vitamins B2, B5, B6, and K, manganese, iodine, potassium, folic acid, omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium, copper and fiber.
Moreover, strawberries contain phytonutrients and antioxidants that fight free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive atoms, molecules or ions because of extra electrons. Thus, they can easily bind to other elements inside our body. Sadly, they transform to chemicals that damage cells that can contribute to certain kinds of cancer. It is believed that strawberries are filled with antioxidants, making the berries bright red.
Some even regard the strawberry as a “food of youth” because it can reduce the risks and effects of age-related diseases. For example, it can provide an increased protection against rheumatoid arthritis. In a study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, it was found out that vitamin C from fresh fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of developing inflammatory polyarthritis. In fact, the participants who consumed a low Vitamin C diet are three times more likely to develop inflammatory polyarthritis.
Strawberries can also prevent the decline of motor and cognitive skills related to Alzheimer’s disease, lower occurrence of gout, stabilize blood glucose, protect against macular degeneration, improve wound healing, reduce wrinkles, alleviate varicose veins, strengthen the gums, and melt gallstones.
From the field to the table
Although strawberries are exceptionally nutritious, Filipinos rarely get to eat fresh fruits. This is because strawberries have a terribly low shelf life. If left in room temperature, ripe strawberries can only stay fresh for about a day. Even when refrigerated, the fruits only stay fresh for about three to four days.
Moreover, the country’s only stable source of strawberries is the province of Benguet. Since the province is situated 3,000 km above sea level, it would take a long time for the strawberries to get to the market. Worse, the descending terrain poses difficult handling issues. Bad handling can turn fresh strawberries into mush.
Fortunately, there are several ways to process strawberries. By cooking strawberries into different products, the shelf life is lengthened. Hence, every Filipino can enjoy the taste of strawberries in the comfort of his own home.
Benguet State University (BSU), a partner-member agency of the Highland Agriculture Resources Research and Development Consortium (HARRDEC), has the largest strawberry field in the country. It is also one of the leaders in strawberry processing through its Food Processing Center.
HARRDEC is one of the consortia of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD).
Dr. Jane Avila, project manager of the Food Processing Center, says that the ideal variety for strawberry processing is Sweet Charlie. They are characterized by small to medium sized berries that are very sweet when ripe. Avila says that the size of Sweet Charlie makes it easier to cut and cook.
BSU products
The strawberry preserve is their most famous product, according to Avila. The preserve consists of whole preserves that are cooked in heavy syrup. Upon cooking, the syrup changes its color to clear red. Though the product is sweet, the strawberries do not lose its flavor and nutrients.
However, the strawberry preserves can be a too sweet. Its recipe requires a cup of sugar for every cup of strawberry. Thus, they developed a low sugar version. These retain the taste of strawberry preserves without the guilt of too much calories.
Avila says that people normally consume the preserves as palaman for bread. However, full berries can be cumbersome to spread. Thus, they developed the strawberry spread. These spreads are made from sweetened pureed strawberries. It has the same taste of the famous preserve but with uniform consistency.
The Food Processing Center also ventured into baked strawberry products. The highest selling of these is the strawberry crumble. It cooked the same way as butterscotch. However, strawberry is used instead of butter creating a multi-layered pastry of strawberry and moist bread.
Currently, Avila is developing dried strawberries for the market. However, in the previous batch that they dried, only 28% were of good quality. Their main problem lies in the strawberry’s make-up. Since the berry is mainly made of water, it shrinks when dried. Sadly, it also loses some of its taste. Avila hopes that their next batch would yield better results.
Other available products include strawberry tarts, strawberry purees, and strawberry kisses.
Hence, do not forget to visit BSU the next time you are visiting Benguet. Here, you can find cheap, delicious and nutritious strawberry products that you can bring home to your family.
SOURCE: Agri Business Week
Topics: Miscellaneous | No Comments »
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