July 6, 2015
Visayan Daily Star | http://goo.gl/PxO5Lp
With the impending frequent El Niños due to climate change, the Philippine Sugar Research Institute Foundation Inc. (PHILSURIN) Experiment Station in Victorias City has identified high yielding varieties (HYVs) that could tolerate dry condition in specific soil types, a Philsurin press release said yesterday.
In the studies conducted, two varieties showed moderate tolerance in both clay loam and sandy loam soils; three is clay loam soil and six in sandy soil. These were the initial results under a rain-out shelter, it said.
In substantiating the results of the studies by actual field observation with the dry period from February to May 2015, only one commercial variety and a promising China variety exhibited tolerance to the extremely dry condition to Bogo, Cebu at 3 to 5 months old crop, the press release said. The commercial variety likewise showed moderate tolerance to drought in Anilao and Passi in Iloilo, Capiz, Sagay and San Carlos in Negros, it added.
Prominent characteristics of drought tolerant varieties lower percentage of leaf drying at 3 months and showing better recovery; and a vigorous root system that greatly helps to moderately tolerate prolonged dry condition, the press release said.
As previously incorporated in the primary objectives of its Breeding Program, PHILSURIN has been developing and identifying HYVs that could tolerate long dry spell, it said.
This was elicited by the warning of the 2011 Report of PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) that due to climate change, droughts are expected to become more frequent and severe beyond experience for the past 140 years, it added.*