KABACAN, North Cotabato – A diagnostic kit for identifying the much sought ‘Carabao’ or Manila super mango, one of the best mangoes in the world, has been developed through the project, “Genetic markers and immune-based identification of Philippine ‘Carabao’ mango,” a collaboration between the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) and Visayas State University (VSU).
Results from component one of the said project titled “Molecular markers for mango cultivar identification and genetic characterization” were utilized to develop the diagnostic kit. The kit is important to accurately identify and distinguish ‘Carabao’ from non-‘Carabao’ cultivars.
Funded by the Los Baños, Laguna-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), the project was jointly implemented by Dr. Sales and Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin of VSU.
The diagnostic kit was developed using DNA fingerprinting techniques, which recently have found diverse application in crop management.
DNA fingerprinting techniques are used in the area of genetic diversity and genotype/cultivar identification, gene tagging, and marker assisted selection in a wide range of crops.
While studies on genetic relationship among native mango cultivars, using DNA fingerprinting have already been done in Thailand, India, and Colombia, this study on DNA molecular markers for mango cultivars was among the firsts in the Philippines.
The project addresses the problem on mislabelling of mango seedlings produced in the nursery, especially in accredited nurseries, so that planting materials that will be dispensed can be certified as authentic Philippine ‘Carabao’ Mango.
Traditionally, mango varieties have been differentiated based on fruit size, shape and color, but these morphological descriptions are influenced by the environment, making them less reliable.
To accurately identify and discriminate the different mango types, molecular markers were used to examine the genetic diversity and identity of the Philippine mango germplasm.
Used in molecular biology and biotechnology, molecular markers identify a particular sequence of DNA in a pool of unknown DNA.
The study, “Molecular markers for mango cultivar identification and genetic characterization” won 2nd place in the research category of the National Symposium on Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NSAARRD), which was conducted on June 27, 2017.
Initiated by DOST-PCAARRD, NSAARRD showcases the outstanding contributions of individuals and institutions in the improvement of the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources sectors through research and development.
NSAARRD was one of the highlights of the DOST-PCAARRD’s 6th anniversary celebration, which was held at the Council’s complex on June 27-30, 2017.