The current knowledge and experiences on crop diseases were emphasized in the recently conducted 1st Plant Pathology National Congress at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, on February 21–23, 2024.
Themed, “Strengthening Philippine Phytopathology Through Fostering and Sustaining Collaboration Towards Scientific Progress and Stakeholders’ Welfare,” this Congress was organized by the Philippine Phytopathological Society, Inc. (PPS) in partnership with the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD).
The book “Abaca Virus Diseases: Epidemics and Control,” authored by Dr. Avelino D. Raymundo was launched during the conference.
Engaging more than 220 plant pathologists, agriculturists, researchers, and students, among others, this activity served as a platform to tackle relevant topics, such as emerging diseases for plantation crops like rubber, banana, pineapple, and other regional crops, and developing sustainable crop disease management and control strategies.
Furthermore, outcomes and updates on various DOST-PCAARRD-funded projects were presented during the event including: “SPIDTECH: Bringing Crop Protection in the Hands of Farmers through Smart Technology,” by Ms. Sarah Jane B. Manaday of the National Crop Protection Cluster-College of Agriculture and Food Science of the University of the Philippines Los Baños; “Effects on Yield of Pineapple Mealybug Wilt Disease (PMWD) of Queen Pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr. Var “Queen”) in Camarines Norte,” by Dr. Arlene C. Alegre of the University of Camarines Norte; and “Diagnosis and Identification of Pili (Canarium ovatum Engly.) Diseases in Bicol,” by Dr. Marissa N. Estrella of the Bicol University.
The Smarter Pest Identification Technology or SPIDTECH is one of the studies on crop-environment interaction of Project SARAI (Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines). SPIDTECH is a mobile application that helps users identify, manage, and report major crop diseases and insect pests.
In terms of PMWD’s effects on the production and marketability of Queen Pineapple, effective disease management of the Pineapple Mealybug Wilt Associated Virus (PMWaV) should be implemented to help boost Queen Pineapple yield thereby increasing the farmers’ profit.
Meanwhile, Dr. Estrella presented three pili diseases. The first disease is the leaf spot characterized as brown to dark circular spots. Another disease of pili is leaf rust distinguished through yellow-orange powdery pustules. The ‘tayangawon’ is a form of pili deterioration. Pili kernels with tayangawon are discolored, with soft and irregular parts.
The four thematic sessions during the convention were Smart Agriculture and Regulation Updates, Plant Disease Situationer and Emerging Crop Diseases, New and Emerging Crop Disease, and Disease Management.
Moreover, the Congress also highlighted the book launching of “Abaca Virus Diseases: Epidemics and Control,” authored by Dr. Avelino D. Raymundo. The book aims to discuss and provide more information on the disease dynamics of Abaca virus, as well as provide options for controlling and managing the disease.
One of the Congress’ outputs is an action plan for sustained collaboration toward disease management in the Philippines and the activation of national and regional divisions of PPS. The action plan includes tapping government agencies for assistance in implementing the approved Philippine National Standard (PNS) regarding the quality and effectiveness of Biological Control Agents (BCA) products. The Congress targets to increase the engagement and capacity building of other experts, stakeholders, farmers, and students on SMART Agriculture; increase government funding for research and projects on disease management; and increase the scope of pest and disease identification technologies by adding more crops of focus in the system, sharing of research facilities, and creating task force against emerging/re-emerging pathogens.
Educational tour/visit to laboratories and facilities at IRRI, IPB, NCPC, and BIOTECH. (Image credit: Renelaine E. Limosinero, ARMSS, DOST-PCAARRD)
Poster presentations and an educational site visit were also conducted during the event. Participants visited laboratories and facilities at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB), National Crop Protection Center (NCPC), and the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH).
The strategic partnership of DOST-PCAARRD and PPS is aligned with the current priorities of the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sector of the Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda (HNRDA). DOST-PCAARRD has been providing augmentation funds to qualified professional/scientific and academic organizations that pursue activities in support of the Council’s advocacies, banner programs, and goals.