PCAARRD-Crops Research Division

23/10/2026

The Crops Research Division (CRD) of DOST-PCAARRD strengthens its partnership with the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) through various initiatives on banana and the Coconut Hybridization Program (CHP).

Led by Dr. Edward A. Barlaan, the ongoing project, 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐅𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬, develops molecular-based strategies for banana disease management. Meanwhile, the ongoing CHP project titled 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐢𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐭 𝐇𝐲𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐍𝐮𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲, led by Dr. Mel Chrisel A. Sales, promotes sustainable soil and water management through nutrient profiling of at least 300 coconut palms and irrigation experiments on 240 tagged palms at the Philippine Coconut Authority–National Coconut Seed Production Center (PCA-NCSPC).

Three (3) new CHP projects to be led by Dr. Lorelyn Joy N. Turnos-Milagrosa and Dr. Joseph O. Castillo were also launched to enhance coconut hybridization operations, improve fruit set and nut yield through plant growth regulators, and develop management protocols for pests and diseases affecting coconut inflorescences and immature nuts.

This event was attended by S&T Consultant Ramon L. Rivera, PCA-Davao Research Center (DRC) Acting Division Chief Ma. Chyrelyn A. Pace of the Integrated Crop Protection Division (ICPD), PCA-NCSPC Chief Arnel P. Toraja, and PCA-Zamboanga Research Center (ZRC) Senior Science Research Specialist Joel Gerone B. Larupay.

CRD Director Leilani D. Pelegrina led the activity, together with Coconut ISP Manager Alissa Carol M. Ibarra, Banana ISP Manager Fredric M. Odejar, and representatives from CRD, OED-RD, and FAD-Accounting Section of DOST-PCAARRD.

📸Gian G. Nepomuceno

22/10/2026

The Crops Research Division (CRD) of DOST-PCAARRD successfully conducted the Annual Review and Evaluation of an ongoing project on Coconut Hybridization Program (CHP) titled 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐇𝐲𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐭 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐨-𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, led by Dr. Alexander M. Pascua of the Marinduque State University (MarSU).

Funded through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF) of DOST-PCAARRD, the project aims to develop fertilizer and media recommendations by assessing the effectiveness of various media and fertilizer treatments for hybrid coconut production in an intercropped farming system under Marinduque's agro-climatic conditions. The project team has successfully planted 348 PCA 15-1 (Catigan Dwarf x Laguna Tall) hybrid coconut seednuts, applied fertilizer treatments, and conducted initial soil analysis and data gathering.

The meeting was led by CRD Program Monitoring and Evaluation Section Head Kristine Joy P. De Guzman, together with the CHP Team. Present also in the review were S&T Consultant Ramon L. Rivera and the representatives from OED-RD and FAD-Accounting of DOST-PCAARRD.

📸Gian G. Nepomuceno

21/10/2026

The Crops Research Division (CRD) of DOST-PCAARRD conducted the 𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 of the ongoing project on Coconut Hybridization Program (CHP) titled 𝐂𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐭 𝐇𝐲𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐔𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 (𝐂𝐨𝐜𝐨-𝐇𝐔𝐋𝐈𝐏) 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 under the leadership of Ms. Erna S. Macusi of Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU).

Coco-HULIP continues to evaluate hybrid and traditional coconut varieties through three (3) adaptability trial sites and ten (10) monitoring farms in Tarragona, San Isidro, and Baganga, Davao Oriental. The project also completed two (2) technical-efficiency studies, a SWOT-TOWS assessment, supported four (4) graduating student theses, and generated research outputs presented in regional academic conferences and submitted for journal publication. It expanded its community and institutional impact through the CocoForward capacity-building program, policy briefs, IEC materials, and partnerships with the Local Government Units (LGUs), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and local farmer organizations.

The evaluation panel, led by CRD Monitoring and Evaluation Section Head Kristine Joy P. de Guzman, together with Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Coconut Alissa Carol M. Ibarra and S&T Consultant Ramon L. Rivera, provided an insightful and comprehensive assessment of the project to guide its further implementation.

Held in Baganga, Davao Oriental, the activity was attended by PCA XI Regional Manager III Juvy T. Alayon, PCA Davao Oriental Senior Agriculturist Jonelito M. Vicente Jr., PCA Operations Branch Project Development Officer Angelo Dugayo, Technical Support Staff Redeen O. Gipit, LGU Baganga Special Assistant for Agriculture Concerns Andy A. Monday, and the rest of the CHP and project teams.

📸: Maria Rae Lynne J. Rasgo

20/10/2026

DOST-PCAARRD, through the Crops Research Division (CRD), conducted the Year 2 Annual Review and Evaluation of ongoing sugarcane projects being implemented by the Philippine Sugar Research Institute Foundation, Inc. (PHILSURIN), in Silay City, Negros Occidental.

With the goal of addressing the impacts of climate change and diseases on sugarcane production through varietal improvement and hybrid development, these initiatives achieved significant milestones during the second year of implementation.

Led by Ms. Graziella O. Tabulinar, the project “Integrating Wild Species for Sugarcane Varietal Improvement: Advancing Genetic Diversity and Crop Sustainability,” has successfully developed and identified promising sugarcane hybrids exhibiting desirable agronomic traits and resistance to seven (7) major sugarcane diseases. Meanwhile, the project “Genetic Variability and Selection for Drought Tolerance and Disease Resistance in Sugarcane through In-vitro Techniques,” led by Ms. Rosalyn T. Luzaran, has progressed through in-vitro establishment, disease and drought tolerance screening, field evaluation, and molecular validation—laying the foundation for selecting genetically stable, resilient sugarcane materials.

The activity was spearheaded by CRD Director Leilani D. Pelegrina, alongside Commodity Specialist (CS) for Sugarcane Jen Charmaine A. Lorenzo-Manohar; Dr. Jeselle S. Laranas, representing the Office of the Executive Director for Research and Development; and S&T Consultants, Dr. Eureka Teresa Ocampo and Dr. Antonio Lalusin.

Also joining the activities were DOST Provincial Science and Technology Office-OIC for Negros Occidental Glady Reyes; DOST Negros Island Region representative Ellin Grace Andana; Agricultural Resources Management Research Division Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Sugarcane Ofelia F. Domingo; representatives from DOST-PCAARRD’s Finance and Administrative Division; and key personnel from the PHILSURIN Accounting Office and the project teams.

📷 Gizelle T. Nanit

19/10/2026

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), represented by the Crops Research Division (CRD) of the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), joined national leaders and agricultural stakeholders at PAGSIBOL 2026: Horticulture and Urban Agriculture Summit, organized by the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI) in collaboration with the DA-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), held on October 6-9, 2026, at the Manila Prince Hotel, Manila.

Representing the Council were Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Managers for Vegetables and Ornamental Plants, Mr. Joel Norman R. Panganiban and Ms. Jen Charmaine A. Lorenzo-Manohar, respectively, along with Mr. Pepito G. Alberto, Commodity Specialist (CS) for Medicinal Plants.

Under the summit’s action plan, DOST-PCAARRD—in collaboration with IPB-UPLB, DA-BPI, and DENR-ERDB—is designated as a lead agency for Research, Breeding, and Germplasm Conservation. Key priorities moving toward 2027 and beyond include:

Establishing a joint research agenda for priority native and ornamental species
Inventorying germplasm and potential mother plants
Preparing breeding and propagation proposals and pilot repositories

The summit was attended by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., DA-BPI Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban, and DA-ATI Assistant Director Antonieta Arceo. Also present were local and national government officials, foreign dignitaries, Agri-Fishery Councils, urban agriculture and horticulture practitioners, farmers, agripreneurs, and members of the academe.

Through strong inter-agency collaboration, DOST-PCAARRD reaffirms its commitment to driving science-backed solutions to protect, propagate, and innovate our high-value crop resources toward sustainable production and national food security.

📷 Jen Charmaine A. Lorenzo-Manohar

13/10/2026

The Crops Research Division (CRD) of DOST-PCAARRD participates in the Project Co-Design Workshop for “Future-proofing Mango Genomic Conservation and Climate Adaptation Strategies.”

Jointly organized by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) and DOST-PCAARRD, the 2-day workshop is set out to determine the scope, direction, and primary targets of the said proposal through the collective inputs from mango stakeholders.

Joining the workshop are representatives from the Philippines' mango industry, namely: researchers, farmers, exporters, and representatives from national and local government units along with key staff from DOST-PCAARRD's Policy Coordination and Monitoring Division (PCMD), Technology Transfer and Promotion Division (TTPD), and Institution Development Division (IDD).

12/10/2026

08/10/2026

Representing DOST-PCAARRD, Ms. Alissa Carol M. Ibarra of the Crops Research Division (CRD) joins the Philippine delegation from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) in the SSTC International Training on Coconut Tissue Culture and World Coconut Day 2026, held in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, on October 7–11, 2026.

Organized by the Government of Indonesia through the Ministry of State Secretariat, in collaboration with the Non-Aligned Movement Centre for South-South Technical Cooperation (NAM CSSTC) and the International Coconut Community (ICC), the event brings together coconut experts and representatives from ICC member countries to strengthen technical capacity, exchange knowledge, and foster international cooperation for a more resilient and sustainable coconut sector.

During the event, the Philippine delegation also met with Philippine Consul General Mary Jennifer Domingo Dingal, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in advancing the coconut sector.

06/10/2026

Curious about what’s new in Crops R&D? 🌱

We’ve got you covered! Check out the Crops Research Division (CRD) Quarter 3-2026 Newsletter and catch up on our latest initiatives, activities, and developments as we continue to advance Crops Research and Development (R&D).

📖 Discover what’s happening in CRD and see how we’re helping move Crops R&D forward!

To view the newsletter, simply scan the QR code below or access it through this link:

🔗 https://tinyurl.com/CRDQ32026Newsletter

28/09/2026

DOST-PCAARRD welcomed delegates from partner institutions in Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines for a courtesy visit following the inception meeting of the ACIAR-funded and DOST-PCAARRD co-monitored project, Transforming Mango Production through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Smarter Pesticide Use in Southeast Asia and Australia.

The visiting delegates from the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia were Dr. Ammar Abdul Aziz, Professor; Dr. Risti Permani, Associate Professor; Dr. Victor Galea, Professor; Dr. Julius Kotir, Senior Lecturer; and Mr. Mar Cruz, PhD Candidate. Representing the Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN) or the National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia were Dr. Handewi Purwati, Professor; Dr. Apri Laila Sayekti, Senior Researcher; and Dr. Ening Ariningsih, Senior Researcher. From University Gadjah Mada (UGM), Indonesia, the visiting delegates were Dr. Y. Andi Trisyono, Professor, and Dr. Subejo, Professor. Meanwhile, representing the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Philippines were Dr. Celia dR. Medina, Professor, and Dr. Aileen V. Lapitan, Associate Professor.

The delegates were welcomed by DOST-PCAARRD Executive Director Reynaldo V. Ebora, Crops Research Division (CRD) Director Leilani D. Pelegrina, PCMD Director Lilian G. Bondoc, ISP Manager for Mango Sharie Al-Faiha A. Lubang, Ms. Jahjiel S. Pajutan of the Socio-Economics Research Division (SERD), and other CRD staff.

During the courtesy visit, the project team presented an overview of the ACIAR-funded project, a collaborative research initiative that seeks to reduce the overreliance on pesticides and promote smarter and more sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) in mango production.

An open discussion followed, focusing on opportunities to strengthen collaboration among the participating institutions, build research and technical capacities, and establish stronger linkages in support of the project’s objectives and mango farmers.

DOST-PCAARRD is co-monitoring the project through CRD and SERD, and will support parallel and complementary research initiatives that contribute to the broader goals of the project.

📷Neisel Lyca R. Petiza