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Dr. Cristeta A. Cueto, Center Manager (Officer-in-Charge) of the Albay Research Center Philippine Coconut Authority Banao, Guinobatan, Albay, discusses the Coconut Somatic Embryogenesis (Cset) technology in a forum held at the Philippine Trade and Training Center in Pasay City on the occasion of the 2017 National Science and Technology Week.
The forum is part of the showcasing of the latest and most innovative technologies, products, know-how, and services, developed and funded by the Department of Science and Technology and its agencies.
Guided by the goal of creating a venue for interaction among researchers, scientists and innovators and the industry representatives, entrepreneurs, practicing professionals, educators, among other stakeholders, the 2017 NSTW adopts the theme “Science for the People.”
Cset is being tested and evaluated in the country by a group of researchers from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), University of the Philippines (UP), Bicol University (BU), and Visayas State University (VSU).
Funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), Cset aims to address low productivity of coconut trees through the speedy propagation of quality planting materials.
At present, coconut seedlings are produced mainly through seednut germination or embryo culture technique with a one seedling per seednut or per embryo rating.
Cset is seen by experts as one of the interventions to revitalize the Philippine coconut industry, particularly in the need to replant old and senile trees in about 500,000 hectares of almost unproductive coconut plantations in the country. It is a technique for rapid mass propagation of superior genetic stocks for high yield, pest and disease resistance, and high value products.
As an alternative propagation technique, Cset uses immature flowers, immature embryos, and plumule (meristematic part of the embryo).
Researchers reported that among the explants tested, the plumule has been noted to be more responsive to in vitro manipulation for the micropropagation of coconut than immature flowers and leaves.
The protocol is currently being enhanced to attain as much as 1,000 seedlings per plumule by using explants from high yielding tall and dwarf coconut varieties.
Cset is expected to benefit the farmers in coconut growing areas and suitable coastal areas in Regions: 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, and 12.
To date, highest multiplication rate is determined at 80–120 seedlings per plumule, a result considered very promising compared with the traditional mass propagation techniques.