 developed seaweed as a plant growth promoter. This can increase the yield of rice by 30 percent.){kind=link}
The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) developed seaweed as a plant growth promoter. This can increase the yield of rice by 30 percent.
As cited in the report of Business Mirror, phytohormone-like compounds, contained from seaweed, support the growth development of the plant.
“Product supports stem growth and allows the efficient absorption of plant nutrients. Abad said the PGP can increase rice yields by 15 percent to 30 percent,” Dr. Lucille Abad, PNRI-Department of Science and Technology (DOST) chemistry research section head said.
Moreover, Abad explained that “seaweed was subjected to irradiation with gamma rays at the PNRI facility”.
“Field testing showed that carrageenan can increase rice yield, and provide pest and disease resistance to plants,” Wilfredo F. Sibal, DOST chief science and research specialist said.
Sibal also suggested that the use of the seaweed-based PGP, hybrid seeds, and mechanical rice transplanter can improve the rice produce to as much as 200 cavans per hectare.
Dr. Gil Magsino, agriculturist from University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB), carried-out a pilot testing and provide insights on how to do it in Pulilan,Bulacan.
Also, an agriculturist from Pulilan, Bulacan, manifested on the effectivity of the carrageenan technology.
“Typhoon Lando (international name: Koppu) wreaked havoc on Bulacan just before harvest time when the field testing of the product was conducted,” Juliet said.
“Rice stalks that were sprayed with the Vitalgro Carrageenan remained upright compared to those in the devastated fields surrounding the test area,” she added.
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