VOL. VII NO.
l January-March 2006
Biofumigation: Providing an option
for managing soilborne pathogens
Lily Ann D. Lando
Bacterial wilt caused by the bacterium Ralstonia
solanacearum,has long been the potato's nemesis. Years
of research throughout the world have managed to amass
findings on whatthe causalbacteriumis, how it survives for
long periods in the soil and even how much variation and
diversity there is in the pathogen. Despite these researches,
one thing is clear- an efficient and effective management
measure remains elusive. Researchers are agreed, however,
that management of the disease canbe achieved through an
integrated management program that includes the use of clean
seed andbiofumigation.
What is biofumigation?
Biofumigation is the process by which soilbome pests
and pathogens are suppressed by naturally-occurring biocidal
compounds (allelochemicals) released into soil when tissues
of brassicaceous crops decompose in soil (ACIAR, 2000).
The process was first demonstrated in 1996 by a team of
Australian researchers led by Dr. Steve Akiew. Using Indian
mustard (Brassica juncea) as a green manure, they were
able to reduce the population of the potato wiltbacteriumin
the soil and lessen the severity of the disease in the following
tobacco crop.
Brassicaceous crops or Brassicas include cabbage,
Chinese cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, mustard, radish and
their relatives. Brassicas contain a gtoup of chemicals called
glucosinolates (GSLs). When brassicas are incorporated into
the soil, myiosinase enzymes that are naturally present in the
plant tissues breakdown the GSLs into allelochemicals. The
most common allelochemicals produced during the
breakdown of brassicas are the isothiocyanates (ITCs). ITCs
are related to the active ingredient in the commercial fumigants,
metham sodium and dazomet and are highly toxic to pests
and pathogens. Brown and Morra (1997) cite that ITCs
were highly biocidal to a diverse range of organisms including
insects, nematodes, fungi, bacteria and germinating seeds.
Management of soilborne pathogens through
biofumigation involves incorporating at least 5 kg of brassicas
per square meter of soil prior to planting. In the Australian
agricultural system, the brassicas were planted as a green
manure crop and then plowed under two weeks before the
planting of potatoes or other solanaceaous crops like tobacco.
In the system,'combines would chop and then incorporate
the brassica tissues. Research showed that the brassica
tissues had to be macerated
=!+-a.
.::--/:. M
 The organic movement began as a reaction of agricultural scientists and farmers against the

e industrialization of agriculture. For some time, food buyers remained clueless as to its existence and importance,
But as issues on health, safety and environment protection grew, so did public awareness of organic farming. This
led to a distinct organic market, and, eventually, a grassroots consumer cause. ln a number of countries, including

d o
the US, Bulgaria, lceland, Nonrvay, Romania, Switzerland, Turkey, Australia, lndia, Japan, the Philippines, Korea,
Taiwan, Thailand, Argentina, Costa Rica, Tunisia, and in the EU, organic farming is also defined by law, so that the
commercial use of the lerm organic to describe farming and food products is regulated by the government.
Organic farming involves fostering natural processes, often over extended periods of time, and a holistic

I approach. Enhancing soil health is the cornerstone of organic farming. A variety of methods are employed, including

to
crop rotation, green manure, cover cropping, application of compost, and mulching. Differing approaches to pest
control are equally notable.
Benguet State University (BSU) as a recognized center of excellence in agriculture education also aims to
be known as a premier university in organic agriculture. lt is envisioned that the university will become a center of
organic agriculture in the South East Asia through its Regional Organic Agriculture Development Center Program.
The program aims to advocate the practice of organic agriculture and integrate it in the university's four-fold

t o
function: instruction, research, extension and production.
Through this program, the university will attain its mission of promoting ecologically sound and sustainable
farrning methods and practices, biodiversity, environment protection and conservation, and food security.
This is no mean feat for the university to accomplish. lt would take the cooperation and commitment of its

3 work force. Not to mention the resources that it would need to implement the different phases of this program. lt is a
laudable undertaking and initiative as organic farming is also associated with support for principles beyond cultural
practices, such as fair trade and environmental stewardship.
a, The immediate and most common reaction to organically grown produce is that it is higher than that of

I conventional food. This is because the organic price tag more closely reflects the true cost of growing the lood:
substituting labor and intensive management for chemicals, the health and environmental costs of which are borne
by society. These costs include cleanup of polluted water and remediation of pesticide contamination.
These are just some of the considerations to pursue this endeavor, Not to mention that many restaurant
chefs across the country are using organic produce because they desire superior quality and taste. Organic food is
also gaining international acceptance, with nations like Japan and Germany becoming important international
organic food markets.

Pt'htlr,t is a quarterly publication of the BSU Extension Services. lt aims to January - March 2006
bridge the Benguet State University with its clientele through technology and Vol. Vll No. 1
information exchange. The Extension Office hopes that research breakthroughs
of the University be made available on time for the use of farmers, students,
extension workers, researchers, and other stakeholders in the field of agriculture.
This is our humble contribution for the advancement of agriculture in our
communities.

Wlt, is distributed free of charge to farmers, individuals, and agencies

interested in promoting agricultural and resource development'

Readers are invited to share their views, articles, and photos through this Entered as Second Class Mail at the La Trinidad
publication. Municipal Post Office.

Editor Lily Ann D. Lando

Associate Editor/Lay-out Marife D. Carpio Mailing Address:
Editorial Consultants Julia A. Solimen, Sonwright B. Maddul,
Carlito P. Laurean, Rogelio D. Colting Office of the Publication and Media Service,
Support Staff Gerry Anne W. Calabis Office of the Director for Extension
Benguet State University, La Trinidad,
Opinions and views expressed in the articles and letters do not necessarily reflect Benguet 260'l
the views of the Editors or the BSIJ Research and Extension Services Group. Telefax: (074) 422 6504
Biofumigation...from page I Agricultural Research (ACIAR). The National Crop
and then well incorporated for maximum effect. The area
thus prepared is then watered to create a temporary seal
over the soil to prevent the loss of GSLs by volatili zatton.
Brassicas are not created equal!
All brassicas have GSLs but not in the same quantities.
Moreover, the 20 ITCs commonly produced by the
breakdown of the GSLs from brassicas differ in toxicity to
target organisms. Among the brassicas, the mustards have
the highest GSL content, especially of 2-propenyl-GSl. This
is the majorGSL found inmustard and is knownto produce
a toxic volatile ITC upon breakdown (Kirkegaard and
Matthieson,2004).
Pioneering studies done by BSU's partners show
that while all brassicas tested could suppress soilborne
pathogens (ACIAR, 2000), they varied in their effects on
the target organisms (Matthiessen et aL.,2003).Also, the
mechanisms of suppression or control seemed to vary for
the dffierentbrassicas that were studied. For instance, various
researchers found that aside from ITCs, there are other
products of GSL breakdown such as nitriles, epinitriles and
ionic isothiocyanates. Moreover, these additional breakdown
products also had some biocidal effect especially on weed
seeds.
To complicate matters, Potter et al. (1998)noted
that suppression of nematodes by the incorporation of
brassicas was not related to GSL content. According to
the researchers, "the most likely explanations for
these observations are either that the incorporation
of organic matter itself increased the populations
of antagonistic organisms in the soil or non-GSL
compounds released by brassicas are toxic to
nematodes."
Validating the Technology at BSU
The pioneering research done in
Australia pointed to the potential of using
biofumigation against many soilborne
pathogens. This prompted Dr. John
Kirkegaard and Dr. Steve Akiew to
propose the validation of the
practice in Australia and the
Philippines - aproposal that {,=*..;,
was funded by Australian 'ffi*
Centre for International
Protection Center (NCPC) in UP Los Banos became the
lead agency for the Philippine project. Eventually, an
additional fourpilot sites were chosen inMindanao (RCPC,
Davao City and NOMIARC, Bukidnon) and Luzon
(Pangasinan and BSU, Benguet).
Essentially, the Philippine project aimed to determine
the'best bet' approach that would have the highest likelihood
of adoption by farmers in the area. In BSU, as well as in
Davao and Bukidnon, work was centered on the use of
biofumigation to control bacterial wilt of potatoes.
Field trials were done on-station as well as in
farmer's field inAmgaleygey, Buguias. Based on these ffials,
several changes were made in the procedure given by the
ACIAR partners. The original procedure started with a
brassica green manure that would be incorporated into the
soil prior to the planting of potatoes. The economic reality in
the province is that most farmers can ill afford to plow under
an economical crop, even for the promise of better disease
control. Therefore, we decided on
incorporating "waste material" coming
from the La Trinidad Vegetable
Trading Post or from newly-
harvested fields. These "wastes" a.re
the vegetable cuttings/clippings that the
traders remove from the harvested produce
prior to packing them for the Manila or
lowland markets. Since these materials did
not have 'economic value', we were able to
getthemforfree.
Mustard green manures and radish
are the most effective biofumigants based on the
Australian studies. In our work here, we had to
adopt what was available. Our farmers do not
usually grow mustard andradish in large quantities.
So while we proved the efficiency of these biofumigants
in smallplots, wecouldnotobtain enough material for
bigger studies. We thus had to look at the most widely
available brassica wastes - cabbage, Chinese
cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. We also
compared these with the commonly applied wild
sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia). For our situation,
our studies show that cauliflower and broccoli are
the 'best bets' for reducing wilt incidence and severi6,
in potatoes. However, cabbage and wild sunflower
also show a suppressive effect, although less than the
former. Chinese cabbage has not shown any suppressive
 Aaintaioing good qaalitlt ya$u VoriDle
tbroa gft dircarc detection and control
By: MD Carpio andVB Salda
The production of high
yielding and good quality yam in the
highlands is often hindered by
the presence of several
diseases caused by viruses,
fungi, nematodes and
bacteria.
Growers can
maximize yields from
theiryamcrops only if
they practice sound
agronomic techniques
and maintaining healthy
crops. Insect pests
usually affect yams during
the plants' growth and
storage. Fungal and bacterial
pathogens can generally be
controlled satisfactorily by the use
of chemicals. However, a different approach is necessary to
combat virus diseases since chemical methods are not
effective.
From 1991 to 2003, field surveys and on-farm
research carried outby the Northern Philippines RootCrops
Research and Training Center and Hong Kong University
have shown that the important species of yam cultivated in
the region are commonly affected by virus diseases. Among
these susceptible species are the Dioscorea alata (e.g.
Padikot, Sampero, Kinampay) and D. esulenta (e.g
Tugue). These viruses do not kill the crop but can reduce
vigour, yield, and tuber quality. Virus symptoms are
widespread throughout the region butthe level of infection
varies fromvariety.
Detection and control of virus infection
Symptoms of virus infection appearonthe leaves of
the plant (i.e. leaf curling, yellow leaf veins and green inter-
veins). The best time to identify these symptoms is at the
peak of vegetative growth, which is at three to four months
after germination, depending on climatic conditions.
Identification should be done before the plants have twined
into each other. This could pose more problems in unstaked
yamfields than in stakedfields.
Viruses are normally transmitted either by insect
vectors or via planting materials. In yam, virus fransmission
occurs largely through infected planting materials. In a farm
with about 50,000 hills planted to yam, 10 out of 15 plants
have shown virus infection. The plantrng materials came from
various sources specifically La Union, Benguet, Nueva
Vizcaya and Aurora. The best prevention for virus infection
therefore, is to obtain planting materials from clean plants
and sources.
"Rogueing" or removing from the field all plants
showing severe virus infection is the first step towards
maintaining acleancrop. It is not a once-for-all cure and
should be practiced regularly. The loss and required labor
may be heavy but this will decrease with regularity of
o'rogueing".
The yield of the crop will also improve.
If the number of affected plants is large, these can
remain in the field provided they are tagged and not retained
as planting materials.
Other foliage diseases and their control
The other major foliage problems on yams apart from
those causedby viruses are leafspot and anthracnose, both
are caused by fungal spores borne in the air. These fungal
diseases can be controlled primarily by staking the plants.
Leafspot (Cercospora sp.) often appears late in the
season and it may not be practical to control it by spray
applications since yield is not usually seriously affected. The
disease appears as purplish, black spots with grey mycelial
fluff on their undersides.
Anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotichum
gloeosporoides, oan seriously affect the yield of a susceptible
yam variety, 7ke Kinampay or Sampero. The variety Padibt
or Tuhiranis not normally affected but farm trials in Pugo,
Maintaining...from page 4
La Union and Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya have shown that they are slightly to moderately susceptible to the disease.
Varieties which are not affected by anthracnose are the purple varieties Daking, Ramay-Ramay, Padinse and the high
yielding and less preferred white varieties.
The disease first appears as small, brown, slightly elongated spots on young leaf blades and on main veins of the
leaf. The spots enlarge rapidly and come together, and eventually turn darker brown to black making large portions of the
leaves necrotic. When the disease occurs early in the life of the crop, the growth of the plant is severely retarded and tuber
production may be reduced or may not occur at all.
Chernical control of the disease include a) a pre-plant dip, b) a field spray program, and c) a post-harvest dip.
It is important to inspect the crop regularly and to carry out a rigorous control and detection program" The fields
should be monitored closely for early evidence of anthracnose to determine whether frequency of spraying should be
increased. This should be done at two times a week interval in dry season and 1 week interval in wet season.
For postharvest treatment, careful harvesting and dipping before storage should be done.
Tubers should be dry when they are stored and the storage area should be cleaned with chlorox solution.
The best control procedure is still, prevention. And the best preventive measure is the careful preparation and
selection of clean and disease-free planting materials.

Biofumigation...from pa ge 4 brassicas with potatoes. Thus, it would be convenient for

effect and in the studies done, was comparable to the negative
control (no tissues incorporated).
InAustralia, incorporation of the brassicas is done
mechanically. A combine cuts down the green mamre crop
and another one follows to macerate and then incorporate
the tissues into the soil. Machinery is not available locally to
perform the same function. Initially, the brassicas were
chopped by hand and then incorporated. However, this was
too laborious and the tissues did not decompose easily. We
thus decided to use a mechanical shredder and then
incorporated the shredded tissues manually (per plot). To
reduce potential loss of the volatile chemicals, shredded
tissues were collected in clear polyethylene bags and then
carried to the plots for immediate incorporation. In this last
innovation, the labor required was reduced and the tissues
decomposed faster.
Potential farmer-adopters point to the shredder as a
limiting factor to their adoption of the technology. According
to them, the common farmer may not be able to afford a
shredder. In consideration of this, we decided to determine
whether the incorporation of unchopped field residues could
have a suppressive effect. Farmer-respondents said that this
could be a more practical option since they often rotate
them tojust cover up the brassica field residues after harvest
and then plant potatoes two weeks afterward.
Our follow-up studies show that a slight suppressive
effect can be observed when using whole tissues. These
corroborate the findings of theAustralian partners that the
release of biofumigants will be reduced when whole tissue is
used, but a suppressive effect will still be possible. Also,
continuous incorporation of brassica tissues will contribute
to the reduction of bacteria in the soil and thus reduce the
potential ofsevere disease in future potato crops.
Keys to Biofumigation Success
Variations in the apptcation of the technology are
still possible. Potential adopters can make changes as they
see fitting to their specific cropping system. The following
key 'principles'are vital however, and any innovations
should be made with them in mind.
1. To obtain the maximum effect, incorporate the
minimum fresh weight of brassica tissues of 5 kgnf
. Ensure the complete disruption of the material and
mulch the leaves thoroughly.
2. Apply water after leaf burial or mulch into moist soil.
Cover if possible to reduce volatile losses.
3. Wait at least 7 days to dissipate ITCs before planting.
RB 1 (Poblacion, Kibungan)
[onlerualiolt ol inili0e
By : B elinda Tad-awan, Janice I gnacio,
Emergenrle EE/1 0/days
tn flnwering/
Seed flllino
Plant heiqht 'I
lu. IICnl (Il gna umb e Il at a
Rice bean
1fl0 seed 1 fl.?7 q syn. Phaseoulus calcaratus) rs
lupinht native to South and SoutheastAsia.
HEArlltfln lrl IUI ttd
hean rust resistance It is locally known as sinai, agayap,
agajap, pagsei and kalap. Grown
for decades in the highlands of the
RB2 (Bila, Bokod) Philippines, this plant has served rural
folks as a cheap source ofprotein. It
is planted mostly in swidden fields
Emeq enr: e 7fit99 days and home gardens as a subsistence
trr florveringr crop and to a limited extent, as cash
Seed fillinn
1 77nm
cfop. Seeds oftoday arq
Flant heiu lrt
100 seed 11.23 g Rice bean is a sprawling, these are indi!
weiutrt legume bush 30-75cm tall, with too precu
Eeaction to
bEan rust
M itd
tesistanc e
trailing stems l- 2 metres long, so let's col
trifoliate hairy leaves to 10cm long
grow thickonthe stems providing avery dense coverage
on the plant. Bright yellow pea flowers appear in clusters,
(Sagubo, Kapangan) followed by groups of 5-l2round pods to 10cm long,
with 7-10 smooth seeds per pod. There are a number of
varieties, varying from short-stemmed bushes to more
erectplants, with differing colour seeds, which canbe
Emergence BbI10I days yellow, brown or mottled, all about the size of a grain of
trfloweringtt rice. It can be planted in diverse climactic conditions and
Eeed fillinq
'i is adapted to various management systems ranging from
Flaflt hEiflht 34.81 cm
1ll0 seed 1 2.84 g commercial to organic farming.
rtrteiolrt In Southeast Asia, rice bean has varied uses:
Heactinn to oderate
M
food, fodder, green manure and as a cover crop. It is
rich in protein and fit for human consumption, soil
improvement and conservation, as feeds for livestock and
as a barrier against soil erosion. A high protein content
makes the rice bean one of the best of the tropical pulses
and therefore, highly recommended by nutrition programs
RB 4 (Tinongdan, ltogon)
in the Philippines Q.{ational Academy of Sciences, 1979).
EmeE ence E711tJfi days
to floweringi The importance of rice bean in sustainable
Seed fillino cropping systems in many parts of Asia makes it an
Flant heiq ht 1 0I.E/ cm important genetic resourcethat shouldbe conserved and
1[D seed 10.81 g
weirrltt preserved. Rice bean is a practical, soil-improving,
Reaction tn M ild ninogen-fixing, green manure crop. In some parts ofAsia
 RB 5 (Sto. Nifro,Tublay)
otl$ iloe [ean ptl$lteil trmergence
tn flor,trering/
Ubtt,ll
days
'stela Seed fillinfl
Badol, Esther Josephine Sagalla Hlant hErqht 1 '19.8/ cm
'l
LLr seE d
'Mh r't

weiulrt
it is planted in rice fields after rice E eaction tn Mtld
harvests, to add nitrogen and humus "* ^; -+
to benefit future crops.
Engle and Altoveros (2000) RB 6 (Tinongdan, ltogon)
stated that farmers commonly grow
indigenous varieties because these
trmergence u{/ luH
to flowenng/ days
require low inputs such as fertilizers Seed fillinq
and chemical pesticides due to their Hlant hern ht '114./ J cm
higher resistance to insects and luu seed lu.HU g
weinht
pathogens. With theirhigherresistance Reactinn to ltilode rate
to pathogens and easy adaptation to h-^* "^-;+---.
seeds of the future; adverse environments, indigenous
,enous treasures cultivars can be selected as a partial
RB 7 (Gadang Proper,
tus to lose, substitute to other crops to alleviate
Kapangan)
Berve them! nutrientdeficiencies.
In the highlands, information on hmergBilce H4flUb days
to flnwering/
rice bean genetic resources is lacking. Thus, Benguet State Seed fillinq
University (BSU) researchers were motivated to conduct Flarit heiqht '125.I/ cm
a project on "Gene Banking and DiversityAnalysis of
lUU seed 1tl/g
weiuht
Rice Bean Collections" funded by BSU in cooperation Heactron to Mrl0erAIe
with the Philippine Inter-University Cooperation bean rusl resistance
Programme @IUC-B elgium).
Through the project, 29 accessions ofindigenous
rice beans were obtained from 10 municipalities of
Benguet. The accessions were groupedto ninebased on RB 8 (Sinakbat, Bakun)
morphological characterization of the seeds. These were tmBrgEnIe u-4r luJ
also evaluated for growth and yield under La Trinidad
trflnwering/ days
Seed fillinq
condition and are now being maintained at BSU. Hlarfi nErfll'rl lJ_l.JJ cm
These germplasm are valuable because they 10[ seed 11.U/ q
weir:lht
represent products of fine-tuned selection over hundred
Reaction tn Mnderate
of years and have evolved dynamically to counter pest, bean rust resistance
pathogen and environmental pressure. The collection,
conservation and characteization of important crop
germplasm are critical, considering the alarming loss of RB 9 (Ambongdolan,Tublay)
valuable genetic resource. Emergence E1,1ll2
This information will serve as a basis for future tn floweringl days
Seed fillino
studies on niffogen-fixing ability of the accessions; nuffient
Plant heiqht 1?F.4/ cm
composition and utilization of rice bean;rice bean-based
10[ seed 14./8 g
cropping systems that would explore the potential of the weiqht
crop as a genetic resource. Heactron ta Mrld
bean rust resislHnre
 I

New high yielding rose varieties

for Benguet identified
By: MD Carpio and AGLadilad
Roses come in different colors, and each color The varieties werefield
according to the romantics expresses a different feeling or grown and presented for their
mood. To rose growers inthe differentparts of the Cordillera acceptability to rose growers in
region, however, different colors and different varieties of Bahong, La Trinidad.
roses could mean increase in yield and in profit as new rose Acceptable varieties had long
varieties can now satisff consumers' demands. stems, big-sized blooms, long Champagne
In the Philippines, demands for certain colors are vaselife, good cutflower yield per
related to specific occasions and holidays such as Valentine's, plant and per area grown,
Christmas and weddings. All colors are however, needed resistance to prevailing insect
on other times of the year. Breeding work on roses is almost pests and diseases, and good
non-existentin the counfiy due to the long process entailed marketdemand.
in the development of new varieties. However, to satisf'the The effects of three
growers' and consumers' craving for new rose varieties we pruning techniques on the
need to introduce new and high-yielding varieties in the rose vegetative and reproductive
growing areas in Benguet. Likewise, proper varietal growth, cutflower quality and Lara Pink
evaluation data should accompany thereconlmendation for yield were checked by Dr.
the use ofthese new varieties. Ladilad. The pruning techniques
This was addressed by Dr. Araceli Ladilad's research were lightpruning (stems are cut
titled " Collection, Identification and Evaluation of New back about two thirds of the
High Yielding Varieties of Roses under Benguet plant height), moderate pruning
Condition" . The study evaluated 27 rose varieties for their (stems are cut back half of the
disease and pest susceptibility, acceptability, response to height of the plant), and hard
difierent pruning techniques, and postharvest characteristics. pruning (stems are cutback 3-4
The varieties tested either were collected from nodes from the base of the Lara Orange
farmers' fields or imported from other countries. Their plant).
performance was evaluated under the prevailing local According to Ladilad,
conditions and compared to three old varieties - Red pruning was integrated in the
Succcess, White Teneke, and Queen Elizabeth. These three study to show that growers
varieties are being sold in big volumes in Baguio City and should improve production
MetroManila.

Variety Yield Value Net lncome Ratio of Net Returns

(dozen) (PhP) (PhP) over Gost of Production
American Orange 289,041 3,922,469 3,081,676 1:3.67
Champagne 14A,463 1,821,413 980,620 1:1.17
Coral Pink 165,704 1,760,462 919,669 1:1.09
Frosty Pink 150,560 1,925,976 1,085,183 1:1.29
Golden Times 118,127 1,647,282 806,489 1:0.96
Grand Gala 106,920 1,546,580 705,787 1:0.84
Lady X 140,224 1,618,853 778,060 1:0.93
Lara Orange 118,127 1,555,095 714,252 1:0.85
Lara Pink 145,887 1,759,237 918,444 1:1.09
Yellow lsland 194,042 2,413,667 1,572,874 'l:1.87
 management techniques to improve cutflower quality, cutflower volume
and meet the time requirement of the markets. Pruning improves and
controls the slopes of the plant, eliminates diseased plant parts, repairs
injuries, strengthens and rejuvenates weak or newly planted shrubs or
trees.
Based on Dr. Ladilad's evaluation, the top ten yielding varieties
on a per hectare basis are: American Orange, Yellow Island, Frosfy Pink,
Champagne, Coral Pink, Lara Pink, Golden Times, Lady X, Lara Orange Yellow lsland
and Grand Gala.
Grand Gala

Washing vggles redLtces risk'

ofFesticide resfdues
Even the freshestproduce still comes withpesticide the heart, lung, central nervous system and kidneys, and to
residues, witxes and other contaminants. The increasing use certain extent may lead to cancer. Pesticide residues that
of pesticides to control plant pests poses a serious risk to are mainly organically-based can also negatively affect vision

human health. Washing vegetables and fruits thoroughly with and memory. These residues accumulate in the fatty tissues
running water reduces the pesticide residues adhering to their of the body and cause symptoms and effects that manifest
surface. 1ater.

This resulted from the "Determination of Pesticide Pesticide residues in vegetables and fruits have no
Residue on SelectedAgricultural Crop Harvested in Buguias, taste, smell or any visible signs. To be safe however, thorough
Benguet", a study conducted by students of Saint Louis washing of these produce in running water is a must
University (SLU) namely Rommel Consolacion, Arnel especially if the source is notknown.
Manaloto, ShielaAnn Mariano, Charisse Joy Montoya and The responsibility however, does not only rely on
Vanessa Pacson. These students were supervised by Dr. the consumers. According to the Food and Fertilizer
GaudeliaA. Reyes, theDeanof the SLUCollegeof Natural Technology Center (FFTC) careful tests overmany years
Sciences and the Project Leader of Philippine Inter- seem to indicate that pesticides can safely be used on fruit
University Co-operation (PIUC) Health and Envfuonment and vegetables without damage to human health, provided
Project. growers follow
Pesticide-treated vegetables such as celery Chinese the
cabbage, cabbage and lettuce were subjected to Gas manufacturer's
Chromatography (GC) to determine the level of pesticide instructions.
residues. "lJnwashed" vegetables contained (range of Problems of
concentration) of pesticide residues. "Washed" vegetables, toxic residues
on the other hand did not contain the same substances occur when the
detected in the "unwashed" batch of vegetables. However, proper
resource persons at the Bureau of Plant Industry GPI) - procedures are
Pesticide Analytical Laboratory in Baguio City say that non- not followed.
detection of the substance does not mean its elimination from Farmers are also
Washing vegetables and fruits
the "washed" vegetables. Pesticide residues may still be advised to
thoroughly with running water
present in the samples but at concentrations lower than can implement reduces the pesticide residues
be detected by analytical equipment. properhandling
adhering to their surface.
Pesticide residues are very toxic to humans. and application
Exposure can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, can damage of pesticides to
theircrops.
BSU 0ltice ol Training $ervices established
By Janet S. Luis

The Office of Training Services (OTS) was born on covering coffee trees, old citrus trees now wanting of
July 1, 2005 with a designated director and clerk on job replacement and all sorts of life as made available by the
order in an office space spared by the Office of Extension Biodiversity Project inclusive of native pigs and chicken and
Services at the Research and Extension Building. It survived other fowls, honey bees, butterflies, herbals, root crops.,
with whatever budget spared by the Office of the Vice bamboos mulberries and the micro flora and micro fauna
President for Research and Extension. In January 2006, a believed to have been conserved. The conservation is
job order for a research assistant for the conduct of the attributed to the long- time effort of Prof. Benjamin Dimas
Commission on Higher Education (CFIED) - funded research who then kept the Agro foresf,y Compound intact, free from
on mushroom dehydration wasapproved. forest fire and squatters.
The Office is now officially transferred to theAgro The training center is envisioned to become
forestry Compound, Bektey, Puguis, LaTiinidad, Benguet accredited for the offering of agricultural technologies and
to the training farm which used to be occupied by the Shell skills to be offered with tangible modules/ technology
Tiaining Farm of the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) incubators as immediate laboratories/ demo farms right in
by virtue of the termination of the Memorandum ofAgreement the vicinity whenever possible. Looking beyond, it can be
(January 1996- January 2006) between PSFI and the instrumental in maintaining agro- ecotourism activity. The
University. It will henceforth be known as BSU Training technology incubators to be established with time will add
Center, composed of one building having two conference value to the nature's park now almost fully developed.
halls, one dining room with kitchen and comfort rooms, one Immediate frainings scheduled for offering include
building composed of office / library space for the training coffee production and processing inclusive of rejuvenation,
office,Institute of Highland and Farming Systems andAgro mushroom cultivation and processing, organic farming cum
forestry GHFSA) and Biodiversity Project (BD); laboratory organic fertilizer and organic pesticide application, strawberry
spaces for mushroom dehydration, mushroom culture/ production and processing, ubi production and processing,
spawn; isolation, incubation and culture room for the sweet potato processing. potato processing varieties
Cordyceps mushroom and basement rooms as storage area production and proces sing, apiculture, sericulture, poultry
for supplies and materials of IHFSA and the BP; and other egg production, meat processing and even ceramics
future laboratories for fuhre technologies that will be featured production.
for training curricular offerings, one dormitory that can
accommodate 60 occupants and its basement as rooms for Strawberry is indeed the flagship commodity of La
the staff; one guesthouse for group/ family visiton; one building Trinidad, Benguet. She is historically known as holder of the
with potential for ceramics, sericulture or other technologies; Guinness Book of Records for the biggest short fruit cake,
onebuilding with much neededrepairwhich canbe utilized the strawberry cake. Yet where is that label visible? Can this
for oyster mushroom growing bag cultivation; and one motor be a challenge to YFPentrepreneurs?
pool which is presently housing coffee processing and
eventually crop dehydration. The dormitory and the
guesthouse together with other housing units in the compound
were allbuiltinl9TT by virtue of thepresidential decree that
brought theNorthern Philippines Root Crops Research and
Tiaining Center (NPRCRTC) into being. The other building
was constructed via the Special Agro forestry Project of then
Prof. BenjaminDimas.
The training center is strategically situated in an
environment isolated from the population center which offers
more or less , a"retreat" situation, surrounded by pine trees
 'lhble I. Mature technologres and technical experts in the University that can be tapped tbr YF,P implementation
MAruRETECHNOLOGY
A. Crops
1. Strawbeny production
2. Strawberry Processing
3. Coffee production
4. Coffeeprocessing
5. Citrusproduction
6. Ube production and processing
7. Sweet potato processing
8. Potato production and processing
9. Cut flower Production
lO.Apiculture
11. Mushroom Production and Processing
12. Sericulnre
13. Chavote Production
B.Animals
1. Swine Production
2.CattleFeedlotFattening
3. Rabbit Production and Processing
4. Poultrv egs Production
C. Others
Organic Fertilizer Production: Prof. Gema Sabas
Vermiculture: Prof. Joe D. Balaoing
Vermicompost: Dr. Asuncion L. Nagpala
Trichoderma: Ms. Mila Tog-aca
Coffee specifically theArabica is a gift for the Benguet
environment. Is there instantArabica coffee at the moment
which is produced from Benguet? There is the Kalinga brew
but can Arabica brews compete in the future? The Arabica
coffee is in demand due to its aroma.
Is there future forthe Benguetlemon? Whatproducts
can come from lemon? There is flavor and juice. Can YFP
create special products from lemon?
The frozen ube of BSU has been a favorite of our
visitors. Some claim it as a favorite ' pasalubong" for a Filipino
visiting his kins abroad. One consideration to look at would
be the packaging. Can the product be packaged per serving?
The sweet potato snack food items are likewise potential
items for our schoolchildren. How will the sweet potato be
considered a lowly crop when its processed product lines
are specialties for Japanese people? The sweetpotato has
been a survival food for our forefathers and it might do the
same at the present time during calamities.
TECHMCALDGERT
Prof. Silvestre L. Kudan, Prof. Sergio T. Gayao
Dr. Jane K. Avila, Prof. Lory L. Balaoing
Prof. Valentino 1. Macanes
Prof.AndresA. Basalong
Dr.AtfredoTipayno
Dr. Violeta B. Salda
Prof. Esther T. Botangen
Dr. Janet S. Luis
Prof. Joe D. Boteng, Dr. Araceli D. Ladilad
Dr. Bernard S. Tad-awan
Dr. Janet S. Luis
Prof. Valentino L. Macanes
Prof. GuerzonA. Pavansdo
Dr. SonwrightB. Maddul, Prof. MyrnaWalsiyen
Dr. Ben S. Luis
Dr. Sonwright B . Maddul, Dr. Anatalia V. Castrence
Prof. Dieeo Dumaois
The potato processing varieties identified by the
Northern Philippine Root Crops Research and Training
Center are offering business potentials for us in the area. We
can not overlook the fact that potato chips are among our
favorite snack foods. Potato chips come as Piatto's and
Pringle's. Can we bring the processing (potato chipping) to
the production area and package these are atfractive as those
processed and packaged in Manila? Doing so saves
production cost, thus the chips can be sold cheaper. Can a
group of YFPentrepreneurs group themselves to startthis
venture?
There arerate cut flowers that can be grown under
Benguet environment aside from chrysanthemum. Market?
The big hotels are potential markets for rare cut flowers.
How aboutApiculture? Honey is araw material for
several products. An entrepreneur can be creative to build
one new enterprise for a new product to concentrate on.
...to page 12
BSU Office...from page 11
The oyster mushroom, at the moment, can be an
industry for a big group. An established enterprise, which I
am now engage in, can supply the mature growing bags for
contract growers. The YFP group can get this aspect. All
our excess products beyond the fresh market demand will
go to the dehydration plant, which we are now tackling as
regard the dehydration protocols. An urgent need here is the
packaging equipment to produce sacheted instant mushroom
soup, sauce, tea, coffee and mushroom vegetable mixes. This
willassure sustained supply to support our target high-end
market and export, through the BSU Multipurpose marketing
services.
Sericulture is another potential industry with products
beyond the fraditional cocoon production for textile. We now
are working on the Korean-patented technology of producing
Cordyceps mushroom on silkworm larvae-pupae to modiff
it as Philippine version to escape the royalty tax. Very soon,
this can be offered to future YFP entrepreneurs.
How about the chayote? The current problem facing
the famous chayote industry in Benguet is mosaic virus. Can
a YFP farmer showcase appropriate management to sustain
the industry?
Swine, especially the native ones, pose big demand in
consideration of organic pork supply. Similarly, beef is a
popular meat for our people due to its organic nature. If
BSU can offer its barn for a YFP farmer to do cattle feed lot
fattening, this will utilize the forages at the boundaries and
river banks of the university which are now cut-and-carried
by outsiders for the Pacdal horses and Baguio slaughter
house.
How about rabbits? These can be reared./ multiplied
in short time. Meat is perfectly organic. Space requirement
is small. Moreso, rabbit meat can be processed into
longganisa, etc.
For poultry egg production, BSU eggs have market
label. BSU eggs have bright yellow yolk, much more
attractive than other chicken eggs and as attractive as duck
eggs. One graduate fried the BSU technology in Sabangan,
Mountain Province and produce similar egg quality'
Finally, BSU is now envisioning an organic university.
This could startwithmaking available organic fertilizers for
our farmers to use. There is the vermin-composed of Prof.
Joe Balaoing, the Trichoderma-composed of Dr. Asuncion
L. Nagpala and that BIOTECH. Still, there are farmer-
practitioners processing their own organic fertilizers and
pesticides, which BSU dreams to standardize and help
facilitate registration with the Food and Pesticide Authority.
Such seem to be a priority YFP venture very soon.

Undergroduote study proved

cquliflower mosl etfeclive biofumigonl
By CG Sidchogan, C Pagaduan, A Acdang
Farmers can now rely on cauliflower in decreasing the incidence of bacterial wilt
on potato.
This was proven in the undergraduate study titled "Validating Biofumigation for the
Managementof Ralstonia solanacearumAffecting Potatoes" conducted by Crisanto
Guilabo, B S Plant Pathology of Benguet State University (B SU)'
Guilabo showed that application of brassicas can effectively reduce incidence of
bacterial wilt, with cauliflower being the most effective. Other biofumigants tested included
brocceh, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, sunflower and untreated soil.
In the study, brassica tissues were shredded and mixed with the soil and left to
biofumigate for two weeks.
The use of cauliflower showed the lowest disease incidenc e of 14.347o and was
followed by broccoli, sunflower, cabbage and Chinese cabbage.
The study also showed thatbiofumigation canbe used as an option in an
and long-term management of bacterial wilt disease'
Meanwhile, other means of applying the said biofumigants must be considered
to lessen production cost. Types of crops, production systems, geographic locations and
seasonal cultural management practices must also be considered.