PGR in Benguet

The Bureau of Plant Industry is promoting in situ conservation of wild blueberry in its efforts to collect germplasm materials that are of economic importance.

A group of researchers from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Manila and Baguio National Crop Research and Development Center (BPI-BNCRDC) composed of Dr. Anastacia M. Gochangco, Matilde Q. Gumtang, Teresita K. Mangili, Maria Helen G. Rantugan, Norma B. Pedroche, Oscar G. Aala and Soledad A. Sudango said there is a need to conserve wild blue berries for food production.

Local ethnic communities in Benguet province have been growing for ages a native Blueberry, scientifically known as Vaccinium membranaceum or “Mountain blueberry.” It is locally called “Ayosip” or “Alumani” and is the Provincial Fruit of Benguet. It belongs to the heath family, Ericaceae, and is botanically classified as shrub or small tree with deciduous fruits.  The shrubs grow wild in their original habitat such as steep mountains, shaded mossy slopes and pasturelands among azaleas and pitcher plants (Sudango and Verzola, 1995). 

The community is propagating this berry because of its multifarious uses and to provide sustenance to their livelihood.  They process this into jam and even sell this as fresh fruits in Baguio City with a price that is slightly high especially during lean months. Peak production comes in May.