Alocasia is one of the most interesting grouping of aroids worthful to the Philippines decorative industry . Of the 15 live species in the country , at least eight species are actively traded . Unfortunately , the diversity of some of these species is threaten , or bad , imperil .
In a bid to protect and conserve those species at hazard , a project title “ Mutation Breeding of Alocasia ( Araceae ) and Other Aroids through Gamma Irradiation and Chemical Treatments , ” was fund by the Philippine Council for Agriculture , Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology ( DOST - PCAARRD ) .
Participants of the Project Review Meeting for the Mutation Breeding of Alocasia and other Aroids through Gamma Irradiation held on October 25 , 2019 at DOST - PCAARRD , Los Baños , Laguna . ( Image Credit : Ervin M. Naval , Crops Research Division ( CRD ) , DOST - PCAARRD )
The project is guide by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute ( PNRI ) of DOST , with De La Salle University – Dasmariñas Campus ( DLSU - D ) . DOST - PNRI had numerous successful studies on mutation initiation whereas DLSU - D has expertise on Alocasia , making the coaction a dandy fit .
The undertaking aims to create novel varieties of Alocasia and other aroids through mutation breeding after selecting and identifying aroid species with potential decorative and horticultural value .
This movement is the very first endeavour in the country to spawn Alocasia through sport breeding . Resulting young mutant of Alocasia are extremely needed and previse by the industry . The project will cater to the preservation of these metal money , and sweetening of their fight in the local ornamental craw industry .
A project limited review was harbour recently to discuss the issues and concern on its project implementation . It was attended by the project drawing card , faculty , technical review and evaluation control board , and representative from DOST - PNRI , DLSU - D , and DOST - PCAARRD . Through this encounter , the team was able to dissolve the challenge encountered and came up with specific plans and activities to aid the squad in its second year of effectuation .
To date , the project had already collected 16 accessions of native , infix , and new Alocasia specie . The communications protocol on flora tissue paper culture for these mintage was also optimized and a total of 667 in vitro plantlets of 3 out of 12 accessions have already been micropropagated .
The undertaking also partner with HARBEST Agribusiness Corporation through a Memorandum of Agreement ( MOA ) , as one of the adoptive parent of the technology of hasten mutation .
It is hoped that the project will continue to focalise on the objective and drive home ask output by 2020 .
For more informationDOST-PCAARRDwww.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph
