Escoses, Jenajenelle A.

(2019-09359) BS Agriculture AGRI 11 – Introduction to Agriculture (Y)

Characterization of Yellow-fruited and red-fruited strains of Miracle Fruit

[Synsepalum dulcificum (Schum & Thonne) Daniell]

Authors: Domingo E. Angeles, Kenji Nakamura & Koji Yasuma

o Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the
Philippines, Los Baños, College, Laguna, Philippines
o World Agriculture Enterprises, Kamisadori-ken, Maebashi City, Gunma, Japan

Description: PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURAL SCIENTIST September 2017, Vol. 100 No. 3, 251-257

KEY POINTS OF THE STUDY:

Summary:

The study revolved around the miracle fruit [Synsepalum dulcificum (Shum & Thonne)
Daniell] that belongs to the family of Sapotaceae. As the name obviously implies, it can make
sour-tasting food taste sweet within 30 seconds after tasting the semi-sweet pulp of the fruit.
Also, the fruit's unique trait is to acclimatize ones’ palate and permit one to drink sour juices even
with the absence of sugar.

Reaction/Application/Impact of the Study:

Since the plant is a drought tolerant shrub, it was then introduced to the Philippines, a
tropical country, from Hawaii. The study's objective is to distinguish the yellow-fruit and red-
fruited strains of the miracle fruit in terms of typical morphological characteristics. Results have
shown that the yellow-fruited strain has a typical growth pattern parallel to red-fruited strains.

The study also explained how the miracle fruit changes one palate. This specific trait
benefited patients undergoing chemotherapy. As stated in their study, the miracle fruit's
modulating effect on taste was able to alter the bad taste of patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Results indicate the fruit's ability to improve a patient's taste perception which helps the cancer
patients to meet their nutritional requirements while undergoing treatment.

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Escoses, Jenajenelle A. (2019-09359) BS Agriculture AGRI 11 – Introduction to Agriculture (Y)

Philippine Indigenous Dairy Products Improved with Probiotic Bacteria

Authors: Djoko Kisworo, Francisco B. Elegado and Virginia L. Barraquio

o Faculty of Animal Husbandry, University of Mataram, Lombok, NTB 83117, Indonesia

o BIOTECH, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
o Animal and Dairy Sciences Cluster (Dairy Training and Research Institute), College of
Agriculture, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines

Description: PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURAL SCIENTIST June 2008, Vol. 91 No. 2, 150-160

KEY POINTS OF THE STUDY:

Summary:

The study was about how some probiotic properties of locally isolated lactobacilli strains
can be used to select a good probiotic inoculum for indigenous dairy products. Six were selected
to be tested subjected to antimicrobial/bacteriocin activity assay against selected indicator
strains and resistance to conditions such as tolerance to artificial gastric juice and simulated
intestinal fluid containing bile. Based on the results of probiotic property tests, isolate 3C10 was
used to develop probiotic white soft cheese and milk confectionery. Lb. paracasei survived the
conditions in the ‘kesong puti’ and ‘pastillas de leche’ with mean workable counts after 1-week
storage. Increasing the cell concentration of Lb. paracasei caused a highly significant increase in
the yield, protein content and ash content of ‘pastillas de leche’.

Reaction/Application/Impact of the Study:

This study can be used to improve the taste and production of our local products. The
improvement in the processes has the potential to increase the local sales and income while
lowering the cost. This observation of significant increase in yield of milk confectionery can mean
that if facilitated correctly, it can also increase the value and quality of the product that can
eventually lead to higher market price that can help the locals, especially the women who learned
making milk confectioneries through livelihood programs in their local communities.

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Escoses, Jenajenelle A. (2019-09359) BS Agriculture AGRI 11 – Introduction to Agriculture (Y)

Corona Shape Variations Among Nine Species of Hoya

Authors: Mark Anthony J. Torres, Cesar G. Demayo, and Simeona V. Siar

o Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, MSU-Iligan

Institute of Technology, Iligan City,Philippines
o Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, University of the Philippines Los Baños,
College, Laguna 4031, Philippines

Description: PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURAL SCIENTIST March 2008, Vol. 91 No. 1, 7-17

KEY POINTS OF THE STUDY:

Summary:

This research revolved around the variations of corona shapes in which Elliptic Fourier
(EF) analysis was used to analyze the corona shapes of nine species of Hoya that were obtained
from 239 corona samples. Differences among the species were summarized in a total of nine
independent shape characteristics after principal component analysis of the shape data was
done. Higher shape variance is attributed to asymmetries in the shapes of the corona and that
the shapes of the corona recognized at least three groups of corona shapes based in the position
of the centroid, the type of floral symmetry, and the direction and shape of the corona hoods.
The results of the study clearly showed that Elliptic Fourier shape analysis is an important tool in
understanding corona shape diversity in Hoya.

Reaction/Application/Impact of the Study:

Since even the noted authorities on Hoya found its species identification very tricky and
difficult, this study can be helpful to give them a clearer view through quantitative method to
provide accuracy in identifying Hoyas. The cluster variations of corona shapes that this research
offered can still be improved but it was a good start for the future of the species identification.
Additionally, the utilization of Elliptic Fourier shape analysis proved to be an advantageous tool
in quantifying the data gathered by the researchers.

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Escoses, Jenajenelle A. (2019-09359) BS Agriculture AGRI 11 – Introduction to Agriculture (Y)

Cloning and Characterization of the Oleosin cDNA Isoforms from Coconut

(Cocos nucifera L.)

Authors: Ellen S. Regalado, Jorge Gil C. Angeles, Abigail Joy D. Rodelas, Roberta N. Garcia, Antonio
C. Laurena and Evelyn Mae Tecson-Mendoza

o Institute of Plant Breeding, Crop Science Cluster, College of Agriculture, University of the
Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines

Description: THE PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURAL SCIENTIST September 2008 Vol. 91 No. 3, 287-294

KEY POINTS OF THE STUDY:

Summary:

The study explained the importance of oleosin and what oleosin does to an organism. It
also presented data about the cloning and characterization of the protein oleosin present in oil
producing plants like coconut, soybean and palm. There were three samples of Oleosin isoforms
that were utilized in this study. The results presented that the cloned oleosins has the highest
similarity with oil palm’s organic oleosin with 86% and soybean oleosin which exhibited 72%
similarity.

Reaction/Application/Impact of the Study:

The study was concerned about the cloning and distinguishing oleosins. These artificial
oleosins can be a substitute since seed oil bodies are simple organelles comprising a matrix of
complex fat linkages surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer embedded and covered with
unique proteins called oleosins. Indirect observations have suggested that oleosins maintain oil
bodies as small single units preventing their coalescence during seed desiccation. Also,
artificial oil bodies can also be used for encapsulation of probiotics if it went through thorough
processing just like how through the oleosin fusion technology the thrombin inhibitor hirudin has
been successfully produced and commercially used in Canada.

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Escoses, Jenajenelle A. (2019-09359) BS Agriculture AGRI 11 – Introduction to Agriculture (Y)

Nutritional Assessment of the Philippine Collection of Gabing San Fernando (Xanthosoma

sagittifolium (L.) Schott, Melet) Corms and its Potential as Food and Feed Substitute

for Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

Authors: John Marty C. Mateo, Maria Lea H. Villavicencio, Rhesa Miren A. Ignacio, Virgilio T.
Villancio, Mary Jean G. Bulatao, Hidelisa dR. de Chavez & Jose Nestor M. Garcia'

o Analytical Services Laboratory, Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB), College of Agriculture and
Food Science (CAFS), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), 4030 College Los
Baños, Laguna, Philippines
o National Plant Genetic Resources Laboratory, IPB, CAFS, UPLB, 4030 College Los Baños,
Laguna, Philippines
o Agricultural Systems Institute, CAFS, UPLB, 4030 College Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines

Description: PHILIPINE JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE (PJCS) April 2019, 44 (1):51-57

KEY POINTS OF THE STUDY:

Summary:

From the 27 provinces in the Philippines, a total of 51 accessions of Gabing San Fernando
(GSF) (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott, Mellet) were gathered which was characterized into
two, their nutritional and anti-nutritional value. Results presented that the food energy content
of the GSF accessions had clear correspondence with the starch content. GSF and cassava
exhibited analogous amounts of fat and crude fiber. This study also added that GSF appeared
superior energy and protein content compared to cassava.

Reaction/Application/Impact of the Study:

This study envisioned to clarify the nutritional and anti-nutritional values of the GSF
collection and compare these with cassava, a root crop widely used as food and animal feed.
Considering the two different values helped in the standardization of GSF identification. This will
provide enough reference on the potential of GSF in terms of human and animal consumption.
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Escoses, Jenajenelle A. (2019-09359) BS Agriculture AGRI 11 – Introduction to Agriculture (Y)

Compost Quality and Economic Viability of Five Biowaste Composting Ventures in M. Manila

Authors: Virginia C. Cuevas, Zenaida M. Sumalde, Sixto A. Valencia and Constancio C. de Guzman

o Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines
Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
o Department of Economics, College of Economics and Management, University of the
Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
o Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Agro-Technology,
University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
o 4Crop Science Cluster, College of Agriculture, University of the Philippines Los Baños,
College, Laguna 4031, Philippines

Description: PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURAL SCIENTIST March 2008 Vol. 91 No. 1, 69-78

KEY POINTS OF THE STUDY:

Summary:

The compost quality and economic viability of five urban biowaste composting ventures
in Metro Manila, Philippines were studied. The data of biodegradable waste collected from the
market, household and school of five barangays from different cities which showed that only one
barangay passed the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) standard for compost or soil
conditioner. It was later discovered that the cost of producing compost ranged from P1,515–
P13,654 per ton, which were greater than the income or value from the compost produced. It
was due to the relatively low market price due to its poor quality.

Reaction/Application/Impact of the Study:

Composting entailed a large financial gap that ranged from P551–P10,946 per ton, which
must be bridged from other sources, if not subsidized by the local government. Also, if materials
have a better and cheap access to locals, the market price and product quality can go higher.

However, if indirect benefits such as the value of savings from avoided landfill and
collection costs are considered, the composting activities are economically or socially beneficial
due to positive economic gains.
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Escoses, Jenajenelle A. (2019-09359) BS Agriculture AGRI 11 – Introduction to Agriculture (Y)

Evaluation of Different Nutrient Management Practices for Wheat-Rice

Cropping System under Agroecological Zone 1 in Bangladesh

Authors: S. M. A. Jabbar, M. Mahamuda Begum, P. C. Sta. Cruz and M. Harun-ur-Rashid

o Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur, Bangladesh

o College of Agriculture, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031,
Philippines

Description: PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURAL SCIENTIST September 2008, Vol. 91 No. 3, 269-277

KEY POINTS OF THE STUDY:

Summary:

A study on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-rice (Oryza sativa L.) cropping system using six
different nutrient management practices was conducted for the development of cropping
pattern-based fertilizer recommendations in Bangladesh. Six different nutrient management
treatments were utilized to arrive in the observations that in increasing soil fertility and
sustainable crop productivity, the farmers in Bangladesh should be encouraged to use farmyard
manure such as cow dung along with INM treatment for wheat-rice cropping system.

Reaction/Application/Impact of the Study:

Since the study was conducted in Bangladesh, it would be nice if further study can be
accomplished here in the Philippines. It will be a good investment since our staple food was rice
and our rice fields presented large decline in terms of arable area. The local government’s
support on this wheat-rice cropping system study can be a great help to improve our very own
cropping system. Also, if this study was well-implemented, information dissemination to our local
farmers should be done. Delivery of such information to small and large farmers holds the
potential to increase their crop yield in a sustainable and non-destructive way, only if farmers
accepted the proposal of this study. Increased crop yield means increased profitability of the
farmers which leads to great economic gains of the country.
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Escoses, Jenajenelle A. (2019-09359) BS Agriculture AGRI 11 – Introduction to Agriculture (Y)

SNP Discovery and Genetic Clustering of Philippine 'Carabao' Mango

(Mangifera indica L. cv. 'Carabao') using Genotype-By-Sequencing (DArTseq)

Authors: John Albert P. Lachica, Julianne A. Vilela, Maura Mercedes L. Santos & Eureka Teresa M.
Ocampo

o Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Africulture and Food Science (CAFS), University of
the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), 4031 College, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
o Institute of Crop Science, CAFS, UPLB, 4031 College, Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines
o Philippine Genome Center Program for Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Fisheries,
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, UPLB, 4031 College, Los Baños,
Laguna, Philippines

Description: PHILIPINE JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE (PJCS) April 2019, 44 (1):10-17

KEY POINTS OF THE STUDY:

Summary:

This research focused to offer groundwork data on the diversity of Carabao variety of
mango from the selected regions of the Philippines. A special type of sequencing method called
Genotype-By-Sequencing was performed on 341 mangoes. It was concluded that intense
homologies to genes from Citrus sinensis and Brassica sp. was provided by the BLAST results for
the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPS).

Reaction/Application/Impact of the Study:

Genomic clustering specified information on the affiliation of mango accessions across

the Philippines while the SNPs provided genotypic information which can be utilized for sign-
assisted selection in mango breeding. Moreover, this study can still be improved as SNPs
discovered using RNA-Seq and expressed sequence tags have the added advantage of being gene
specific. If well-funded, it can provide high abundance and rapidly improving genotyping
technologies make SNPs an ideal marker type for generating new genetic maps as well as
saturating existing maps created with other markers, not only of mangoes but also other species.

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Escoses, Jenajenelle A. (2019-09359) BS Agriculture AGRI 11 – Introduction to Agriculture (Y)

Insect Pollinators and Floral Visitors of Mango (Mangifera indica L. cv.Carabao)

Authors: Alejandro C. Fajardo, Jr., Jose R. Medina, Oscar S. Opina and Cleofas R. Cervancia

o Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines
Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
o Crop Protection Cluster, College of Agriculture, University of the Philippines Los Baños,
College, Laguna 4031, Philippines

Description: PHILIPINE AGRICULTURAL SCIENTIST December 2008 Vol. 91 No. 4, 372-382

KEY POINTS OF THE STUDY:

Summary:

This study was conducted to determine the efficiency of insect pollinators in mango
(Mangifera indica L. cv. Carabao), such as Trigona biroiFriese, honeybees, and flies, relative
abundance and foraging behavior of insect pollinators was also documented. Prior to the
introduction of bee colonies in the mango farm, the fruit set in caged (2.13%) and uncaged
(3.34%) inflorescences did not vary. After the introduction of bee colonies, the fruit set in the
uncaged inflorescence (41%) was significantly higher than that in the caged inflorescence (0.7%).
The terminal inflorescence, floral longevity and scent, and sticky pollen provided enabling
conditions for insect pollination.

Reaction/Application/Impact of the Study:

Of the mango varieties, ‘Carabao’ has the highest export potential but with the current
and future demands for mango, it is important to sustain its supply. However, with the conversion
of agricultural farms to commercial establishments, it is necessary to maximize harvest per unit
area which makes this study about pollinators beneficial to the production yield of carabao
mangoes. In the Philippines, no study on mango pollination has been made so far. So this
knowledge of introducing insect pollinators increasing the inflorescence can be used to improve
yield of farms and economic gains.

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Escoses, Jenajenelle A. (2019-09359) BS Agriculture AGRI 11 – Introduction to Agriculture (Y)

A Hypervirulent Isolate Identified from a Race 1 Ralstonia solanacearum

Strain from Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. L-180)

Authors: M. E. Orlina-Villareal, N. L. Opina2 and A. K. Raymundo

o Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines
Los Baños, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines
o Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, University of the Philippines Los Baños,
College, Laguna 4031, Philippines

Description: PHILIPINE AGRICULTURAL SCIENTIST March 2008 Vol. 91 No. 1, 94-98

KEY POINTS OF THE STUDY:

Summary:

The study deals with bacterial wilt as the most widespread and destructive disease of
solanaceous crops in the warm tropical areas of the world. Isolated colonies from pure cultures
of 10 strains of R. solanacearum obtained from the Institute of Plant Breeding, University of the
Philippines Los Baños were streaked on tryptone glucose yeast agar (TGYA) and used for plant
inoculation. For DNA fingerprinting, a single colony was obtained from a TGYA plate and
inoculated to TGY broth. The isolate T523-731 was considered a hypervirulent isolate as it was
able to overcome the resistance of the tomato cultivars that were earlier found to be highly
resistant to bacterial wilt.

Reaction/Application/Impact of the Study:

The research was carried out to identify hypervirulent isolate from a strain of tomato in
which was able to overcome a highly resistant tomato cultivar. The discovery of the said isolate
can be a step forward into developing prevention from its isolate to limit the rapid wilting of the
tomato caused by the isolate. If a precautionary measure or a prevention of this isolate was
developed, it can lower the production lost of farmers and can increase their income. Less wilting
of tomatoes can also mean less waste, more product yield and higher product value.
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