DOST-PCAARRD, PCA Launch 7 Coconut Hybridization R&D Projects

Coconut hybridization research and development (R&D) aims to help the Philippine coconut industry by sustaining the supply of quality planting materials in order to produce high-value products.  

To support this, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) partnered with three Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) research centers in launching seven projects under the Coconut Hybridization Program of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan. 

This was held recently during an inception meeting in Zamboanga City.  The council is strengthening its collaboration with PCA by providing fund support to the latter’s existing R&D capacities and technical expertise. Six of the seven projects focus on varietal improvement and selection of palms with outstanding traits, profiling hybrids, and breeding cultivars that are resistant to biotic or ecological and abiotic or nonliving stresses.  Meanwhile, one project aims to enhance the science-based integrated pest management of coconut rhinoceros beetle, a widespread coconut insect pest that damages fruit-bearing palms.