NMRDC for short, is the latest Crop center included in the family of the Bureau of Plant Industry, specializing in the high value crop…….. Mango
Background Information
Year established - 1969
Previous names
1970 - Guimaras Mango and Coconut Station
1972 - Guimaras Seed Farm
1977 - Guimaras Horticultural research Station
1980 - Guimaras Experiment Station
Current Name = National Mango Research and Development Center, pursuant to DA Order No. 1 Series of 1993 signed by Roberto Sebastian (DA Secretary)
Land area
Main compound
8.872 ha (San Miguel, Jordan)
Satellite stations
8 ha - Piña, Buenavista
1 ha - McLain, Buenavista
Vision
A globally competitive Mango Industry.
Mission
Spearhead in the development and adoption of cost effective/environment friendly technologies, transform the disaggregate industry into a well managed system and enhance exportation.
Mandates
As a Center for mango, NMRDC is entrusted with the following activities:
Widen its scope and function encompassing all disciplines and targets of the Mango Industry.
Perform functions which must be broad as a National Center and specific to the requirements and needs of mango.
Study and develop effective and applicable production technologies in terms of cultural management like plant propagation, crop protection, fertilizer application, water management pruning, etc.
Broaden its scope to include intensive works on post-harvest handling, maintain fruit quality and prolong storage life of mango.
Characterize the physio-chemical aspects of the fruit in relation to quality before and after harvest.
Maintain germplasm collection of mango and continuous varietal improvement.
Serve as data bank for all aspects of the Mango Industry
Develop "Carabao" mango as a top commercial crop
Spearhead and maintain strong linkages with local and international research institutions involve in mango RD & E.
Provide the Mango Industry with relevant up-to-date information on RD & E.
Functions of the Different Units
Research
Development of efficient and applicable production technologies to enhance productivity, improve fruit quality, profitability and sustainability of production. The disciplines included are:
Varietal improvement - Selections of improved strains of "Carabao" mango.
Propagation - Rapid multiplication of planting materials.
Cultural management - Pruning, fertilization, irrigation, flower induction, etc.
Crop protection - Survey and pest monitoring, biology, pesticide screening and integrated Pest Management.
Post-harvest handling - Proper harvesting based on maturity indices, post harvest disinfestations treatments, packaging, etc.
Socio-economic - Profile of mango growers, impact assessment of recommended technologies.
Marketing - Market system analysis.
Production
Propagation and distribution of quality planting materials
Evaluation and accreditation of promising mother trees (MT).
Assist in the establishment and accreditation of nurseries.
Maintenance of production areas and model farms.
Extension
Information dissemination of package of technologies in through seminar, training and lecture demo.
Practicum for students (college and high school) on mango production and processing.
Participation in DA information campaigns like "USWAG Caravan".
Sponsor of mango festivities "Manggahan Festival" and other symposia related to mango production.
Production of information materials such as guide, fliers, leaflets, brochures, pamphlets, etc. on mango production.
Provide Mango Information Network (MIN) with up to date information on mango technologies.
Services Offered by NMRDC
Sales and distribution of quality planting materials. NMRDC has developed 6 strains of 'Carabao' mango of superior quality. The strains are available in the Center at a government price of P 25.00 per grafted material.
Diagnosis of pest problems. A diagnostic laboratory with appropriate facilities and competent researchers are available to assist growers in their pest problems. Identification of pests and control measures are provided free of charge.
Trainings/seminars. For walk-in visitors, briefing session on status of mango industry, mango cultural management and other aspects of production are provided. On the other hand, regular training/workshop on mango production is available every quarter. This is a 3-day seminar on improved cultural management for mango to include pre and post harvest activities as well as mango processing. Lectures are supported with field practicum for thorough understanding of the subject matter. A training fee of P 2,000 per participant is required for lodging, food and handouts.
Mango processing and preservation. Done during mango season to teach housewives, out of school youths and interested parties on the processing of mango fruits to jam, jelly, candies, dried mango, chutney, paste, etc. this is free of charge but participants are requested to provide their raw-materials.
Farm practices. This activity is open to high school and college students who wish to learn about mango propagation, cultural management and processing. Research, a vital function of C, is emphasized in the training. The Center accommodates practicum for summer training on first come basis. Please write the Director of BPI for your request.
Field trip and observation tour. NMRDC has several things to offer with regards to technologies developed for mango. Staff are available to present/demonstrate and explain these technologies as adapted by growers in the field. Visitations of backyard and plantation (mango orchard) in the different municipalities of Guimaras are provided.
Technical consultation. NMRDC has competent staff to assist growers on problems concerning mango production. Field of expertise are available on the establishment of mango orchard, cultural management of bearing trees, crop protection and post harvest handling. Experts are available upon official request through the Director of BPI or after office hours with minimal consultation fee.
Under graduate or graduate adviser. Students interested in mango research are welcome. Our staff can serve as adviser (depending on field of expertise) or can be a member of the advisory committee. A MOA is however, required between NMRDC and SCU approved by BPI Director.
Venue for meetings and conferences. NMRDC has a conference room equipped with visual aids and other communication facilities for the conduct of seminars, workshop and meetings. A guest house is also available for live-in training. Fees are required for the use of conference room and guest house.
Mango publications. Manuals on mango production, IPM and leaflets on recommended technologies are available at the center.
Technical Experts
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H. G. Golez, Ph. D. |
Agr'l. Center Chief III |
Entomology/Plant Pathology and Post Harvest Physiology |
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S.A. Covacha, MSc. |
Senior Agriculturist |
Pomology and Food Processing |
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H. G. Bignayan, BSA |
Senior Agriculturist |
Plant Pathology |
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E. G. Gaitan, BSA |
Agriculturist II |
Culture and Management |
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N. F. Zamora, BSA |
Agriculturist II |
Culture and Management |
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W. G. Zamora, Agr. Engr. |
Agriculturist II |
Plant propagation and Nursery Management |
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Y. J. Yonder, BSA |
Agriculturist I |
Plant propagation and Nursery Management |
A PERSPECTIVE . . .
NMRDC for short is the latest crop Center included in the family of the Bureau of Pant Industry, specializing in high value crop . . . mango. It was officially transferred from the Department of Agriculture, Region 6 on August 1, 1995, and became the 5th Center of BPI.
The main area, about 8.872 hectares is located in San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras, 9.5 kilometers from the wharf. Two satellites stations were also established in Piña (8.0 has) and in McLain (0.92 ha), Buenavista for genebank and scion groves. The topography is slightly rolling with elevation of 100 meters sea level with sandy loam soil and pH of 5.0-5.5. The average relative humidity is 87.08% and average monthly rainfall of 206.32 mm.
As a research Center for mango, it is task to develop effective and applicable production technologies that will increase yield of better quality fruits. As such, problems of low and erratic yields have been addressed by package of technologies specific on pruning, fertilization, flower induction and irrigation. On the other, the poor fruit quality of mango was improved through studies on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), bagging, proper harvesting and postharvest handling.
As part of its commitment to Research, Development and Extension (RDE) Program, the Center spearheads the Sub-Program for mango with the objective of enhancing sustainable productivity, profitability and competitiveness of the Philippine Mango Industry. It is also the lead agency of the fruit network, integrating institutions and experts in the pursuit of the "one system program" principle under AFMA. BPI-NMRDC therefore, provides direction for researches on mango, evaluates national and regional priorities, orchestrate and monitor important activities.
To fulfill the mission of NMRDC as a research institution and partner of Filipino farmers towards improvement of productivity, profitability and stability of Mango Industry, its mandates should be operationalized and implemented to cover a more holistic research agenda for the country. However, unless sufficient resources are provided, it will be difficult to manage a progressive and effective NMRDC.
GLIMPSE OF THE PAST . . .
It all started in . . . .
1969 - An area of 8.872 has. donated by Mr. Romerico P. Chavez and Hon. Oscar Ledesma was developed and a "nursery" was established through the initiative of BPI Regional Director Pedro M. Asico, who envisioned Guimaras as a potential "mango island". Since then, the area became the main station up to the present.
December 8, 1970 - It was named as Guimaras Mango and Coconut Station and was formally turned over to BPI under Dir. Eliseo C. Carandang. Physical development of the area took place, construction of the office building and irrigation dam were made possible through the assistance for Japanese Overseas Corps Volunteers (JOCV's) and United States Assistance for International Development (USAID). Donations of equipment and overhead irrigation system came and the whole area was planted with selected grafted 'Carabao' mangoes.
December 14, 1972 - The stations was inaugurated and renamed as Guimaras Seed Farm by Sec. Arturo R. Tanco, Jr. and featured in the newspaper as "The Big Leap". The bulk of the activities were concentrated on production of quality plant materials specially grafted mangoes.
1975 - Under BPI Regional Dir. Guillermo Valdez, emphasis was focused on research to meet the growing needs of farmers especially on crop protection. Additional improvement took place with the construction ladies quarters and store room.
1977 - The station was again renamed as Guimaras Horticultural Research Station (GHRS) by the Regional Dir. Celso Palma Gil, whose vision was to develop Guimaras as "Fruit Salad Bowl" of the region. The station specialized on horticultural commodities like mango and cashew. Rapid development prompted expansion of new areas and two sub-stations were established in McLain and Piña, Buenavista. The lots were donated by Atty. Juan Salvador, the late Rev. Philip C. Irabon and Atty. Alejandro Mirasol.
1980 - BPI family recognized the station as one of its regular experiment stations and named it as Guimaras Experiment Station (GES) with activities focused on mango research and production.
1983 - Under Regional Romeo V. Aquino, renovation and expansion of the main building to a multi-purpose hall to include conference room, administration and research office was undertaken.
1985 - The integration of different bureaus resulted in the transfer of GES and its supervision under the Department of Agriculture Region 6.
1991 - DA identified GES as a research outreach station of the WESVIARC and integrated the Jordan Artificial Breeding Center as part of the main station.
March 23, 1993 - Department Order No. 1, Series of 1993 duly signed by Sec. Roberto S. Sebastian, finally upgraded GES to the National Mango Research and Development Center (NMRDC). Pres. Fidel V. Ramos officially proclaimed it as "Mango Center of Asia" during his visit to Guimaras in August 1993.
May 4, 1994 - Development of research facilities in the Center started. A total of 1.8M government fund was released through NAFC and CDF of Cong. Lopez for the construction Crop protection - horticulture laboratory and DOST for the laboratory equipment.
August 1, 1995 - From DA Region 6, NMRDC was again integrated to the Bureau of Plant Industry making it as the 5th crop Center specializing in mango.
October 1, 1998 - Started the redirection of NMRDC as prime Center for mango in the country. Spearheaded by its Center Chief, Dr. Hernani G. Golez, the mandates of the Center were implemented. Fund sourcing flourished with improvement of facilities both in research and production. The personnel complement was also increased with technical staff obtaining their masters degree in the different fields of specialization. Today, NMRDC has proven its role as partner of Filipino farmers towards the improvement of productivity, profitability and stability of the Mango Industry.
NMRDC Profile
Geographical Location: Western
Visayas (Region 6)
Year Established: 1969
Previous Names:
1970 - Guimaras Mango and Coconut Station
1972 - Guimaras Seed Farm
1977 - Guimaras Horticultural Research Station
1980 - Guimaras Experiment Station
1993 - National Mango Research and Development Center
Address: San Miguel, 5045
Jordan, Guimaras, Philippines
Land Area: 17.8542 has.
Main Compound: 8,872 has.
(San Miguel, Jordan)
Orchard - 5.0 has. (with 140 bearing mango trees)
Water Reservoir - 1.63 has.
Nursery - 0.25 has.
Building and Infrastructure - 1.184 has.
Road Network - 0.8 ha.
Satellite Areas: 8.892 has.
(Buenavista)
Piña - 8.0 has. (Scion grove and Genebank)
McLain - 0.982 ha. (Experimental fields)
Topography and Climate
Topography: Slightly rolling
Elevation: 100 meters above sea level
Latitude: 10.250N
Longitude: 122.300
Soil Type: Sandy loam
Soil Series: Guimaras gravelly loam
Soil pH: 5.0 - 5.5
Type of Climate: Type A (rainy from May to October and dry from November to April)
Temperature:
Maximum: 30.13 0C
Minimum: 24.58 0CAverage Relative Humidity: 87.08%
Average monthly rainfall: 206.32 mm
Average no. of rainy days: 141 days
Updates of Accomplishments (2003-2004)
Development of new NSIC registered mango varieties
The 'Carabao' mango lasts for century, it is therefore important that when establishing an orchard, the quality of planting is ensured. Continuous evaluation and accreditation of mother trees as source of scion for asexual propagation is being done. As of 2004, NMRDC has developed 8 NSIC approved strains of 'Carabao' mango. Among the new selections are: Talaban, Fresco, Tanaleon and Guimaras Super (Galila).
Commercialization of new NSIC approved mango varieties
One of the major constrains in the expansion of mango plantings is lack of quality planting materials. Mass production of NSIC registered varieties through asexual propagation is undertaken to sustain a ready supply of quality planting materials.
To guarantee growers of the source of their planting materials, nursery operators are accredited. As a requirement, an accredited nursery should only propagate planting materials sourced from NSIC registered varieties. Nursery technicians are also required to attend training on nursery management. At present, there are seven accredited nursery operators in the province.
Exportation of Guimaras mango to Australia and United States
The Center developed survey protocol approved by USDA-APHIS for mango seed and pulp weevils to address quarantine requirements of USA and Australia for these two important pests of mango. Through a comprehensive survey, Guimaras Island was certified as "area free" from both insects and is the only province that can export fresh mangoes to both countries. Likewise, to maintain the "area free" status of the island regular pest monitoring is conducted.
Exportation of Guimaras mangoes started in 2002. The volume of fresh mango exports in 2003 totaled to 614.724MT for the USA and 7.760 MT for Australia. In 2004 the volume exported to the US was 211.285MT.
Identification of major pest associated with "saksak walis or buti" problem on mango fruits
As early as 1983, mango growers from Batangas reported a scab-like infection on mango fruits at different stages of development. Heavy scabbing on small fruits resulted to early fruit drop, while damage on the developed fruits significantly affected quality thus lowering the market value. In Guimaras and Iloilo the problem is known as a "buti" and in Luzon as "saksak walis". The spread of this problem to several mango-growing areas is alarming. Damage to fruit could reach to as high as 80 to 100 percent and yield reduction up to 55 percent.
Two important insect pest, Cecid fly (Cecidomyiidae) and Mirid bug (Helopeltis sp.) are associated with this problem. Cecid fly is more prevalent which caused damage on soft flushes and young fruits due to ovipositional punctures. Damage of Mirid bug on fruits is of lesser degree, which is mainly due to feeding activities.
Management of the pest starts on the soft flush stage with regular spraying of insecticides recommended for mango. This will reduce the population during the fruiting stages. Integrating chemical control with other cultural practices such as field sanitation, pruning and bagging is encouraged to reduce fruit damage.
ABSTRACT OF COMPLETED RESEARCHES (2003)
Evaluation of the Different Quality of Paper as Bagging Materials for Mango Fruits
The influence of different bagging materials on yield and quality of ‘Carabao’ mango fruits were evaluated at different fruiting seasons (1998–2001). Different bagging materials included brown paper bag, thin waxy magazine, thick waxy magazine, yellow page telephone directory, and imported and local newspapers. Fruits were bagged at 47 to 57 days after flower induction (DAFI).
Significant effect of bagging is shown on high recovery of marketable fruits over the unbagged. Imported newspaper followed by thin and thick waxy magazines gave the highest marketable yields in different seasons with an average of 13.92, 13.01 and 12.42 kgs, respectively. Brown paper bags (17.74 kg.) and local newspaper with lorsban impregnated plastic strips (13.09 kg.) were also promising. However, results were obtained only for one trial and should be verified. Number and weight of fruits retained at harvest did not vary significantly among bagged fruits. Unbagged fruits gave the lowest yield of marketable and non-marketable fruits.
Fruit bagging, using different paper materials resulted in lower insect and disease damage. However, it did not provide complete protection on developing fruits. Thick waxy magazine significantly prevented fruit fly damage with infestation ranging from 0 to less than 1%.
Bagged and unbagged fruits showed no significant difference on the external (except in peel color at harvest) and internal qualities of mango fruits. Peel color of bagged fruits is pale green while green for unbagged fruits. Furthermore, daily change in peel color of bagged and unbagged fruits showed no significant difference.
Imported newspaper, thick and thin waxy magazine were the most promising bagging materials for mango fruits in all seasons while brown paper bags and local newspapers are recommended only during dry season.