Fibercrops research and development
2000
Tolentino, L.M. (University of Southern Mindanao, 9407 Kabacan, Cotabato (Philippines))
Initial accomplishments of the project includes the following: establishment of fibercrops collection garden as possible sources of breeding materials; development of a sound fertilization program of salago; disease identification and development of control strategies against some diseases of salago; and post-harvest processing. For germplasm collection and evaluation activities, the following were maintained in the collection garden: pineapple, maguey, sansiviera, pandan, salago, abaca, jute, ramie, mulberry, coconut, cotton, and kapok. For the fertilizer requirement of salago, initial results showed that fiber yield and agronomic characters of three-year-old salago plants were significantly affected by nitrogen level. Fiber quality on the other hand, was not significantly affected. For disease identification and management, it was observed in salago areas of Manambulan, Davao City and those at the PICRI experimental areas were infected with Rhizoctonia solani disease. Moreover, leaf spot and leaf blight were noted at the PICRI experimental areas. R. solani was identified as the causal pathogen as evidenced by the pathogenicity test. Bioassay test was likewise conducted to determine control measures against salago disease. Initial observations showed that of the 17 fungicides tested, 12 were found effective. The gaining popularity of handmade paper and the revival of the fibercraft industry and the movement to conserve the forests as well as the desire to conserve the environment from the problems posed by non-biodegradable materials like plastics has contributed to the growing demand for natural fibers. These are the areas the project sought to address in the coming years
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